Revolutionizing Small Spacecraft Missions: The Power of Electric Propulsion

Small spacecraft missions for planetary science require high-velocity maneuvers, such as achieving planetary escape velocities and orbit capture. These maneuvers go beyond what typical commercial spacecraft require, and small spacecraft need an electric propulsion system that can carry out these maneuvers. The electric propulsion system must be capable of operating using low power (sub-kilowatt) while still having a high-propellant throughput. This means that the system must be able to use a large total mass of propellant over its lifetime to generate the required impulse to carry out the necessary maneuvers.

Small spacecraft missions will be limited in their ability to execute the necessary propulsive maneuvers without an electric propulsion system that meets these requirements. However, by developing and implementing electric propulsion systems with these capabilities, small spacecraft will be able to explore planets and achieve mission objectives that were previously unattainable. These new technologies will allow for more efficient and effective exploration of our solar system, opening up new opportunities for scientific discovery and understanding.