X-Nico

5 unusual facts about Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion


Antimatter rocket

Antimatter rockets can be divided into three types: those that directly use the products of antimatter annihilation for propulsion, those that heat a working fluid which is then used for propulsion, and those that heat a working fluid to generate electricity for some form of electric spacecraft propulsion system.

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The idea of using antimatter to power an electric space drive has also been proposed.

Arcjet rocket

Arcjets are a form of electric propulsion for spacecraft, whereby an electrical discharge (arc) is created in a flow of propellant (typically hydrazine or ammonia).

ATS-6

It was also the first to use experimentally with some success electric propulsion in geostationary orbit.

Resistojet rocket

A resistojet is a method of spacecraft propulsion (electric propulsion) that provides thrust by heating a (typically non-reactive) fluid.



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