Engine for a spacecraft, and spacecraft comprising such an engine

Abstract

An engine (10) for a spacecraft comprises a chemical thruster comprising a nozzle (30) for ejecting combustion gas, and a Hall-effect thruster. The engine is arranged such that the nozzle acts as an ejection channel for particles ejected by the Hall thruster when same is operating. The engine can deliver a high thrust with a low specific impulse or a relatively low thrust with a high specific impulse.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the field of engines for aerospace vehicles, in particular for satellites. Background technique [0002] In certain application environments, it may be desirable for an aerospace vehicle to exhibit two modes of operation, either at high thrust or high specific shock. Two examples can be mentioned: [0003] Placing the satellite on the station and maintaining its orbit: the satellite on which the station is placed requires high thrust to transfer it to geostationary orbit as quickly as possible; and the satellite requires high specific impulse propulsion to maintain reign; [0004] · Exploration: It would be advantageous to have thrusters that would lift off celestial objects and then, once in space, enable them to utilize high specific impulse propulsion. [0005] In a known manner, satellite propulsion is generally obtained by means of two technologies: chemical propulsion and electric propulsion. These two propulsion mode...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

however, this has the disadvantage of increasing the overall cost and complexity of the spacecraft, compromising its reliability

[0008] In summary, none of the existing technologies (chemical propulsion, electric propulsion) can provide propulsion in these two intended operating domains, namely firstly with high thrust and relatively low specific impulse, and second with high specific impulse and relatively low thrust

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