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Ion Propulsion

Introduction
 
Nature reports that the latest moon probe has got there, and will start doing an x-ray survey.

This is not unusual these days, as space programs are sending things all over the Solar System. But, two things are different:
 
  1. This probe was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA)
  2. It is powered by a different, advanced engine.

 
 

Unlike NASA, which seems stymied by ancient technology, and is headed by a bean-counting Bushie, the Europeans have been doing some basic science. The Russians have been busy developing very advanced rockets. The Chinese are planning manned space travel to Earth orbit, the Moon and beyond. Meanwhile, the U.S. has its feet firmly glued to the ground.

From Nature, November 12, 2004:

 

SMART-1 arrives at the Moon

Mark Peplow

Probe proves ion-drive technology and may uncover lunar secrets.

 



 

SMART-1 will come within 300 kilometres of the Moon's surface.

? PPARC
It's been a long trip, but Europe's first Moon mission is finally nearing its goal. SMART-1, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) way back on 27 September 2003, will go into orbit around the Moon on 15 November.

In January, the craft will begin the first comprehensive X-ray survey of the Moon's surface, giving scientists clues about its composition and age. This geological map will help scientists to establish exactly how the Moon formed.

The size of a domestic washing machine, SMART-1 uses an innovative propulsion system that wafts the craft along on a breath of gas. It carries solar panels that convert the Sun's light into electricity, which is used to strip electrons away from atoms of xenon. This generates charged ions that are accelerated through a magnetic field and ejected from the rear of the spacecraft, producing a gentle thrust equivalent to the weight of two pennies resting on the palm of your hand.

"This is the first time ever that a probe has used ion propulsion to escape from the Earth," says Bernard Foing, who heads the SMART-1 team at ESA's Space Science Department in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

...

 The success of SMART-1, which stands for Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology, in reaching the Moon has proved that future spacecraft could use the same engines to get to Mercury and Mars, says Foing.
 

WalterB - clock 11:35:37 - Friday, 11/12/2004

Last update: 11/13/2007

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