Researchers from MEPhI, in collaboration with the STAR company, have developed a project for an innovative "electrospray" rocket engine based on ionic liquid. These engines are designed to operate as part of small spacecraft of the "nanosatellite" class.
The engine uses an ionic liquid as a working fluid, in which charged particles are accelerated under the influence of a strong electric field, forming a jet.
Plasma acceleration by electricity is the most efficient way to accelerate the working fluid to high speeds. Unlike traditional engines, where the speed is limited by the energy of the chemical reaction, there is no such limit for the plasma flow. As a result, the working fluid accelerates to 10–20 km/s or more.
The advantage of such engines is their ability to operate continuously and for a long time, withstanding multiple activations and deactivations. This will ensure accurate positioning of satellites and new prospects for their use as part of a swarm.
The implementation of the project will create the most efficient engine compared to global counterparts.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that Russia is a leading manufacturer of plasma engines for spacecraft.
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