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* Electric Propulsion Electric Propulsion *
* * Electric Propulsion at QinetiQ Electric Propulsion at QinetiQ *
* * How our technology works How our technology works *
* * T5 ion thruster T5 ion thruster *
* * T6 ion thruster T6 ion thruster *
* * 3mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes 3mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes *
* * 7mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes 7mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes *
* * Future directions for Electric Propulsion Future directions for Electric Propulsion *
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Electric Propulsion
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Electric Propulsion
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Electric thrusters are characterised by the high exhaust velocities of an accelerated propellant, ten times higher than conventional chemical thrusters and typically above 30 km/s. This means that the specific impulse (SI) of a propulsion system (the ratio of the thrust to the rate of use of propellant) is high, and spacecraft manoeuvres can be performed using much lower quantities of propellant.

Therefore spacecraft system designers have considerable flexibility meeting their objectives. Electric Propulsion (EP) systems can be used to extend spacecraft lifetime, propel spacecraft across the solar system, enhance payload capability, provide greater operational flexibility or reduce launch costs, or indeed any combination of these.

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Electric Propulsion
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* * > Electric Propulsion at QinetiQ
The design, development, qualification and testing of electric propulsion thrusters and their supporting systems.
> Read more
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* * > How our technology works
Our ion thrusters are of conventional Kaufman configuration, with a direct current (DC) discharge between a hollow cathode and a cylindrical anode.
> Read more
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* * > T5 ion thruster
The T5 based ion propulsion system has been selected for the ESA GOCE mission.
> Read more
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* * > T6 ion thruster
The T6 based electric propulsion system is designed to provide extremely efficient station keeping, orbit topping, end of life de-orbit manoeuvres and primary propulsion.
> Read more
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* * > 3mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes
The 3mm diameter Hollow Cathode has been subjected to extensive qualification, life testing and characterisation (performed by QinetiQ) in support of a range of national and international programmes.
> Read more
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* * > 7mm Diameter Hollow Cathodes
The 7 mm cathodes have been qualified for the ESA/Astrium ROS-2000 Hall effect product and are undergoing qualification for the QinetiQ T6 and further European Hall effect systems.
> Read more
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* * > Future directions for Electric Propulsion
An all carbon engine has been manufactured, and carbon grids have already successfully passed vibration and shock testing.
> Read more
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Electric Propulsion Quick Links
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* Case study: Ion thrusters for ESA
Ion thrusters propel spacecraft with an inert gas (Xenon) ionised by electricity generated from solar panels. 		*
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