An innovative ion thruster is conceptually introduced by utilizing the superconductor. Two remarkable quantum features of the superconductor, significant magnetic strength and quantum locking, have been applied to the plasma generator and ion accelerator, respectively. The former feature greatly reduces the need for electric power to generate a huge magnetic field and also reduces the size of the plasma generator. The latter feature provides the ion passage channels and prevents them from colliding with each other. Simulation results show agreement with the reduced electric power needed compared to the traditional ion thruster. In addition, the ion beams are shown to be restricted in the individual channels generated by quantum locking. In this way, this thrust provided by the ion beams is greater than that of the conventional ion thruster.
關聯:
76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) IAC-25-1.2.3(100110)
