By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Advanced propulsion technologies called satellite electric propulsion systems are utilised to control and move satellites in orbit. Electric propulsion systems use electrically charged particles (ions or electrons) to produce thrust as opposed to conventional chemical propulsion systems, which depend on the combustion of propellants. In terms of productivity, fuel usage, and mission flexibility, these systems offer considerable advantages.
The fundamental idea underlying electric propulsion for satellites is the acceleration of charged particles using electric fields, which produces the propulsion force known as electric propulsion or ion propulsion.
Ion thrusters and Hall effect thrusters are the two types of electric propulsion systems that are most frequently used.A propellant gas (usually xenon) is ionised in order for an ion thruster to work, and the ions are then propelled forward by an electric field.
High-speed expulsion of the accelerated ions from the thruster produces thrust. Satellites can run for long periods of time on a relatively small amount of fuel thanks to ion thrusters’ high specific impulse (Isp), which is a measure of fuel efficiency.
Similar to conventional thrusters, Hall effect thrusters ionise the propellant gas by using a magnetic field to accelerate and confine electrons. To create propulsion, the accelerated ions are released.
Hall effect thrusters often give higher thrust levels at a lower specific impulse than ion thrusters, making them ideal for various mission needs.Systems that use electricity for propulsion have a number of benefits over those that use chemicals.
They offer a greater Isp due to their excellent efficiency, allowing satellites to carry more cargo or prolong their operational lifetimes. Additionally, electric propulsion uses a lot less fuel, which lowers the entire launch bulk and expense.
Electric propulsion technologies also enable sophisticated orbital manoeuvres and station-keeping by permitting accurate and delicate orbital control of satellites.
The global satellite electric propulsion system market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2023 to 2030.
Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) are one of the electric propulsion technologies that Busek specialises in. Hall thrusters like the BHT-200 and BHT-600 are among their offerings.
Exotrail specialises in offering options for satellite propulsion, such as MPDT systems. Small spacecraft can use the magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters from their ExoMG product line.
