Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1992-04-17
1993-08-10
Basinger, Sherman
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
244 1R, B64G 100
Patent
active
052341836
ABSTRACT:
Highly-conducting plasma plumes are ejected across the interplanetary magnetic field from a situs that is moving relative to the solar wind, such as a spacecraft or an astral body, such as the moon, having no magnetosphere that excludes the solar wind. Discrete plasma plumes are generated by plasma guns at the situs extending in opposite directions to one another and at an angle, preferably orthogonal, to the magnetic field direction of the solar wind plasma. The opposed plumes are separately electrically connected to their source by a low impedance connection. The relative movement between the plasma plumes and the solar wind plasma creates a voltage drop across the plumes which is tapped by placing the desired electrical load between the electrical connections of the plumes to their sources. A portion of the energy produced may be used in generating the plasma plumes for sustained operation.
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Basinger Sherman
Ellis Christopher P.
Gaither Roger S.
Moser William R.
Sartorio Henry P.
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