Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1993-02-16
1995-08-08
Grant, William
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
602031, 60202, B64G 126
Patent
active
054391911
ABSTRACT:
A satellite thruster system capable of creating a high velocity plasma jet is disclosed. The plasma accelerator, or "railthruster," features a high energy current pulse source and a geometrically configured coaxial or parallel dual-rail ignitor system for higher velocity, and thus more fuel efficient, satellite attitude control. A ratio of a length of the railthruster to a spacing between the rails is at least 3:1.
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Nichols Steven P.
Weldon William F.
Board of Regents , The University of Texas System
Grant William
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