Spacecraft propulsion devices and systems with microwave excitation

A multi-mode thruster system for use in a spacecraft includes a microwave source; a cavity coupled to the microwave source and including a first inlet to receive a first fluid and a second inlet to receive a second fluid; and a nozzle provided at one end of the cavity. The thruster operates in a mic...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser:	Hummelt, Jason, Sercel, Joel, Parman, Matthew, Small, James, Mainwaring, Philip
Format:	Patent
Sprache:	eng
Schlagworte:	AIRCRAFT AVIATION BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS BLASTING COSMONAUTICS ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS ELECTRICITY HEATING LIGHTING MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR PERFORMING OPERATIONS PRODUCING A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER TRANSPORTING VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR WEAPONS WIND, SPRING WEIGHT AND MISCELLANEOUS MOTORS
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:	A multi-mode thruster system for use in a spacecraft includes a microwave source; a cavity coupled to the microwave source and including a first inlet to receive a first fluid and a second inlet to receive a second fluid; and a nozzle provided at one end of the cavity. The thruster operates in a microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) mode to (i) generate a standing wave in the cavity using the microwave source and (ii) raise a temperature of the first fluid to generate a first hot gas that exits the cavity via the nozzle to generate thrust. The thruster operates in a chemical propulsion mode to (i) produce a reduction-oxidation reaction between the first fluid and the second fluid and (ii) generate a second hot gas that exits the cavity via the nozzle to generate thrust.