微波等离子推进器(MPT)的应用探索研究

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH ON PRINCIPLE AND UTILITY OF MICROWAVE PLASMA THRUSTER(MPT)

关键词:  航天器推进  微波技术  等离子体推进  轨道机动发动机  卫星姿态控制

Key words:  Spacecraft propulsion  Microwave technique  Plasma propulsion  Orbit maneuvering engine  Satellite attitude control

摘要:

重点分析讨论了微波等离子推进器（ＭＰＴ）的基本原理、结构特征和应用前景，并通过对已有理论与实验研究结果的分析，认为ＭＰＴ是一种高比冲、长寿命的小推力动力装置，特别适合用作空间动力，进行航天器的轨道转移、姿态控制、位置保持、对接交会和星际航行。尽管ＭＰＴ目前仍处于理论探索与实验研究阶段，但研究结果表明，它是前景十分诱人的新型空间动力系统。

Abstract:

The primary principle configuration features and utility prospect of a new space propulsion system——microwave plasma thruster(MPT) were analysised and discussedAccording to the theoretical and experimental results achieved up to date,the conclusions can be drawn that MPT is a kind of advanced thruster with high specific impulse,long lifetime and low thrust,and especially fits for space propulsion such as orbit transfer,attitude cotrol,stationkeeping,docking and rendezious,and planetary missionsAlthough MPT is still at the theoretical and experimental exploratory research stage,it is very likely to be a new promising space propulsion system