Russia has started developing electric spray space engines

Researchers from the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI and the STAR company have developed a preliminary design for an innovative electrospray rocket engine powered by an ionic liquid. They are designed to operate as part of small nanosatellite-class spacecraft.

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In the development, an ionic liquid is used as a working fluid, in which, under the influence of a strong electric field, charged particles accelerate and form a jet stream.

"Plasma acceleration by electricity is the most effective way to accelerate the working fluid to high speeds. Unlike traditional engines, where the speed is limited by the energy of a chemical reaction, there is no such ceiling for a plasma flow. As a result, the working fluid accelerates to 10-20 km/s or more," Igor Egorov, chief designer of the project, senior lecturer at the Department of Plasma Physics at the Institute of Laser and Plasma Technologies at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, told Izvestia.

According to him, the advantage of ionic liquid engines is that they can operate continuously and for a long time, withstanding repeated switching on and off. This will ensure the accurate positioning of the satellites, which opens up prospects for their use as part of a swarm.

The scientists noted that the project contains ideas that will make the engine more efficient than its global counterparts. In particular, this will be facilitated by the selection of a working fluid that will function equally well in different polarities. Plus, the optimal configuration of the particle emitter.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

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