MINIATURISED DIFFERENTIAL GRIDDED ION THRUSTER SYSTEM

摘要

Planning of future science missions is creating a needrnfor propulsion systems capable of providing extremelyrnfine pointing, formation flying or precision dragrncompensation. In contrast to previous applications,rnpropulsion systems with a capability to provide μN tornmN throttling capability are required to provide coarsernand fine manoeuvring capability. An innovativernadaptation of existing and robust European Gridded IonrnEngine (GIE) technology is proposed by QinetiQ inrncollaboration with Southampton University to satisfyrnthese emerging needs.rnThe MiDGITS (Miniaturised Gridded Ion ThrusterrnSystem) concept has the potential of providing precisionrn(sub-μN thrust control and resolution) and coarse (mN)rnpropulsion capabilities using a single and relativelyrnsimple system.