Plasma drive assembly for satellite propulsion systems, comprises a directional non-parallel ionization axis

摘要

The propulsion unit comprises of cathodes (140) arranged on non-parallel axis (241a,241b) within a main coil assembly (131). An ionizing gas is introduced into the annulus between the coil assemblies. The coils generate an electromagnetic field such that the direction and the vector magnitude of the ionizing plasma jet can be controlled.