Novel concept of tailorable magnetic field and electron pressure distribution in a magnetic nozzle for effective space propulsion

Lohit Malik

Department of Manufacturing Processes and Automation Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (formerly Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology), New Delhi, India

Present address: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey – 08540, United States

Abstract Magnetic nozzle appears to be a practical solution for prolonged space missions. For efficient handling of the spaceship, an in-flight solution to customize the thrust from the magnetic nozzle is essential. Here a new concept of three-thick coils system is proposed for tailoring the magnetic field in-flight in accordance with electron pressure distribution. The role of peak position of the pressure and its axial gradient is also uncovered for realizing higher thrust. About three-fold increase in thrust is observed when the electron temperature is raised to 2.5 times of its original value at the exit plane. The set-up is optimized for its best performance and efficient use in the electric space propulsion sector with thrust approaching 5 mN. In particular, this can contribute to the attitude control or the precision pointing of the spacecraft, the technology for removal of space debris and manipulating the ion momentum flux lost to a wall or unsteady laser produced plasma flow in a magnetic nozzle.

Keywords: Tailorable magnetic field; Magnetic nozzle; Electron pressure; Thrust; Effective space propulsion

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jppr.2023.02.002