20000 NASA tested an ion engine for flight to Mars (3 photos)

NASA tested an ion engine for flight to Mars (3 photos)



В NASA испытали ионный двигатель для полета на Марс (3 фото)

Developed by engineers at the University of Michigan in cooperation with NASA and the U.S. air force ion engine X3 showed on tests unique results. The use of innovative solutions implemented in this engine, will help to overcome the distance to Mars much faster and with less fuel than traditional chemical engines.

Technical difference ion engines chemical is to create thrust with the application of an accelerated directional flow of plasma ions. The speed of the ship with an ion engine can reach 40 km/s, in contrast to the spacecraft with the chemical engine, able to move only with a speed of 5 km/s. Another significant advantage of ion engines is the specific weight of fuel per km of distance traveled, which will allow the spacecraft to significantly increase the payload.

В NASA испытали ионный двигатель для полета на Марс (3 фото)

Developed by the X3 engine was tested in Ohio and has shown outstanding results, surpassing all previous similar developments. The subject was able to produce power more than 100 kW, with thrust at the nozzle exit reached 5.4 Newton, which significantly exceeds past performance ion engines. The solution of the main problem for ion thrusters (low thrust) was imposed on the original design of the nozzle consists of three channels of plasma. It is possible to reduce the weight of the engine up to 227 kg with a significant increase in traction and power.

В NASA испытали ионный двигатель для полета на Марс (3 фото)

Further testing will be focused on the study of stable operation of the engine X3 for 100 hours. To protect against overheating of the walls of the engine is developed using a special magnetic shielding system.

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Source: space.com

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