Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
Although an interest in electric propulsion has existed in the UK for a considerable time, it is only in the past few years that it has been considered worthwhile to undertake the development of hardware and produce detailed systems studies. The practical developments can be divided into two categories: —
1. The development of comparatively large thrusters (in the region of ½ kW power, giving 10-20 milli Newtons of thrust), for producing major movements in a satellite's position.
2. The development of micro-thruster systems for the maintenance of a satellite's attitude and position against the small disturbing forces and torques it normally experiences in orbit.