| NASA Center: |
Headquarters |
|---|
| Image # : |
64-Lewis-Fac-1 |
|---|
| Date : |
01/01/1961
|
|---|
|
Title
Pilot Plasma Engine
Full Description
The Pilot Plasma Engine. This traveling wave accelerator, being
operated by Raymond W. Plamer of the Lewis Electromagnetic Propulsion
Division, uses an alternating current power supply. The AC feature
avoids the life limitations of direct current accelerators where
electrode parts rapidly deteriorate from touching the plasma.
The traveling wave accelerator works like its name. A neutral plasma
of electrons and ions is produced in the source at the left. This
plasma moves to the right and is accelerated by a moving magnetic field
in the four black coils. Such acceleration produces thrust, perhaps
enough to propel a future spacecraft beyond the Moon.
Keywords
Lewis Electricmagnetic Propulsion Division Plasma Ion
Subject Category
Rocket Propulsion,
Reference Numbers
- Center:
HQ
- Center Number:
64-Lewis-Fac-1
- GRIN DataBase Number:
GPN-2000-001995
Source Information
- Creator/Photographer: NASA
- Original Source: digital
| Resolution | Format | Width
(Pixels) | Height
(Pixels) | Size
(KBytes) |
Thumbnail |
.jpg |
85 |
60 |
6 |
Small |
.jpg |
601 |
427 |
133 |
Medium |
.jpg |
1408 |
1000 |
656 |
Large |
.jpg |
2816 |
1999 |
2,845 |
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Updated October 31, 2002
• History Questions: NASA History Office
• Responsible NASA Official: Steve Garber
• Author: Michael Hahn. Editor: Dwayne A. Day
• Curator & Technical Questions: Erin Needham
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