SuomiKaataa2

Ion Thruster In very simple words, an ion thruster, or ion engine, uses electricity to ionize a neutral gas into positive ions, which are then accelerated by an electric field to produce thrust for spacecraft propulsion. These high-efficiency, low-thrust engines are ideal for long-duration missions, though they can also be used in atmospheric applications to create a neutral wind, such as in ion-propelled aircraft. I was already writing about alternative fuels for rockets, such as hydrogen and methane. But it is amazing to learn about such an interesting and advanced propulsion, which is already used for many decades.  NASA is focusing on liquid hydrogen as the most efficient fuel in use. SpaceX is working on methane as a fuel of their StarShip, with a hope to produce methane on Mars. However long interplanetary distances are still currently a huge problem, and therefore an ion thruster may be the right answer to the problem. The ion thruster used on the Deep Space 1 spacecraft. It...

Hypergolic vs non hypergolic ignition in rocket engines An early hypergolic-propellant rocket engine, the Walter 109-509A of 1942–45; source: Wiki Hypergolic ignition uses propellants that ignite on contact, eliminating the need for a separate igniter, whereas non-hypergolic ignition requires an external ignition source like an electric spark or pyrotechnic to start the combustion. Hypergolic systems are simpler, more reliable for multiple restarts, and can use storable, room-temperature propellants. Non-hypergolic systems, often using cryogenic propellants like liquid oxygen, offer higher performance but require more complex ignition hardware. Common pairs of non-hypergolic propellants are LOX/RP-1, LOX/LH2 and LOX/CH4. Thruster with Igniter vs. Hypergolic Ignition   How ignition works? In the case of hypergolic ignition, the fuel and oxidizer components of a propellant spontaneously ignite upon contact, eliminating the need for an external ignition source. This characteristic sim...