Improving Magnetoplasmadynamic Ion Thrusters With Superconductors
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Summary
A New Zealand research group has developed a magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster for spacecraft that requires 1% of the power of a conventional ion thruster.
While this type of thruster has been researched since the 1970s, the required power has limited their use due to most spacecraft having power constraints.
The new MPD thruster uses a high-temperature superconducting electromagnet that, with an integrated cryocooler, is more efficient and can generate a stronger magnetic field while using less power.
If successful, the new design could make satellites more efficient, needing smaller solar panels, and potentially allow them to operate further from the sun, nearer to Venus and Mars for example.
The prototype will be tested on the International Space Station this year.
