Plasma Propulsion
Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass.
01 Definition
Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass. Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster.
02 Detailed_Analysis
Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass. Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster. Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass. Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass
- ▸ Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster
- ▸ Related Concepts: ELF Thruster, FRC, Specific Impulse
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass. Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster.
Role: Glossary term: Plasma Propulsion
Entity Type: Concept — Plasma Propulsion is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
Technical Definition
Spacecraft propulsion that uses accelerated plasma as a reaction mass. Includes Hall thrusters, ion thrusters, and FRC-based concepts like the MSNW ELF thruster.
Related Concepts: ELF Thruster, FRC, Specific Impulse
06 Related_Terms (1)
07 Related_Entities (12)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Project Sherwood established
The U.S. AEC's classified controlled-fusion program begins at LANL and partner labs.
historical-contextChristofilos begins Astron experiment at LLNL
Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment at LLNL
The Astron experiment established the field-reversed configuration geometry that prefigured modern FRC research.
historical-contextFirst Formal Documentation of FRC Topology
H.A.B. Bodin publishes a paper in Nuclear Fusion describing 'reversed field loops' within a theta-pinch, providing physical evidence of the FRC state.
fusion-physicsProject ORION Terminated
Project ORION is terminated primarily for political reasons, ending early research into external pulsed plasma propulsion despite promising technical results.
historical-contextInertial-Confinement Flux-Trapping Model Proposed
T.S. Green and A.A. Newton propose that magnetic flux is lost via rapid convection at the radial Alfvén speed, a foundational theory for FRC formation.
fusion-physicsDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsAstron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL
16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment cancelled at LLNL
17-year Astron project ends. Field reversal concept disperses to LANL (FRC) and LLNL/PPPL (spheromak).
historical-contextFoundational FRC Research at LANL
Los Alamos National Laboratory establishes the scientific bedrock for Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) physics through the FRX experiment series.
fusion-physics09 FAQ
What is Plasma Propulsion? ▾
Why does Plasma Propulsion matter? ▾
How does Plasma Propulsion relate to other concepts? ▾
When did Plasma Propulsion appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with Plasma Propulsion? ▾
Is there a detailed dossier for Plasma Propulsion? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Propulsion
- Aliases
- Plasma Propulsion, plasma-propulsion
- Sources
- 8
- Related Terms
- 1
- Graph Entities
- 12
- Timeline Events
- 10