The DOD is primarily interested in propulsion systems as either station keeping for large satellites or primary propulsion for smaller satellites. The EMPT has application for small satellite main propulsion and LEO-GEO transfer in earth orbit due to its high specific power (>600 W/kg) and expected high Thrust-to-Power. Additionally, the high specific impulse operation of the EMPT will have applications for large telecom and military satellite station-keeping. Finally, the variable power and thrust nature of the EMPT has direct application to modern Operational Responsive Space (ORS) missions that require a single propulsion unit capable of in-orbit mission changes.
NASA has a highly varied interest in advanced propulsion systems at the 1 kW level. The high specific impulse operation of the EMPT will have applications for large earth observing science missions as a replacement for high-mass (<100 W/kg) station keeping thrusters when coupled with ultra-light solar arrays. Additionally, as more (and less massive) power is available for interplanetary science missions, such as advanced radioisotope power (REP) systems and NASA ultra-flex solar panels (SEP), electric propulsion can find even larger roles. A low mass, 1 kW REP propulsion system would enable a host of deep space Neptune, Pluto, and Oort Cloud orbiter missions. An advanced SEP system would enable small sample and return and orbiter missions from asteroids and planetary moons. Additionally, the variable power and thruster nature of the EMPT can apply immediate mass savings on any interplanetary mission with variable power requirements.
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