The Dust - Plasma Thruster: A new concept in space propulsion

A new scheme of micro propulsion in space i.e. the dust - plasma thruster is proposed. The scheme uses plasma thermal energy to charge externally injected sub micron sized particles and simultaneously create
electric fields in the plasma which accelerates them. Particles are subsequently charge stripped and exhausted to produce electrically neutral thrust obviating the need of a charge neutralizer. For reasonable plasma and particle parameters, thrust 10 - 50 micro-N and specific impulse 50 -100 s may be produced. The scheme is shown to have modest power requirements. It may be realized in a simple design where there are no high voltage grids or electrodes, charge neutralizer, valves, pressurized gases etc and can operate in space or vacuum. A layout for the possible configuration is described.

Khare Avinash

CSPAR, UAHuntsville