VISP – Variable-Isp Mini Ion Engine

Under the ESA-funded VISP project, IQM developed a Variable Isp Ion Optic System (IOS) for the RIT-3.5 mini ion engine, enabling independent control of thrust and specific impulse over a broad operational envelope. Testing demonstrated that the system not only met but exceeded the specified thrust requirements, increasing from approximately 7 microNewtons to around 2.8 milliNewtons. Additionally, the specific impulse (Isp) performance was highly flexible, achieving values up to 5000 seconds and beyond. The system proved to have a smooth start, maintained stable operation throughout, and showed impeccable erosion behaviour during extended firing periods.

• Smirnova, M., Mingo, A., Schein, J., Smirnov, P., Bosch, E., & Massotti, L. (2018, May 14–18). Design, construction and testing of a variable Isp radio frequency mini ion engine to better serve the propulsion requirements of the Next Generation Gravity Missions “NGGM” (SP2018_00360). Paper presented at Space Propulsion 2018, Seville, Spain. PDF
• Smirnova, M. & Mingo, A. et al., “Test Campaign on the novel Variable Isp Radio Frequency Mini Ion Engine,” IEPC-2019-A-574, 36th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Vienna, Austria, Sept. 2019 LINK PDF

• Zurück
• Weiter