Rocket science has taken us from the basis to the Moon . But if we want to go into mystifying outer space , we ca n’t just trust on bigger and heavy rockets . We necessitate more sophisticated actuation . NASA has taken this challenge seriously and started looking into new approaches . One of them , the Advanced Electric Propulsion System ( AEPS ) has now passed a decisive test .
develop in collaborationism with Aerojet Rocketdyne , AEPS is seen as a primal portion of the actuation of large - plate science missions and cargo tape drive . It ’s in all likelihood the propulsion system that will be adopted in theLunar Orbital Platform - Gateway , which will be placed in lunar - cranial orbit in 2022 .
AEPS is a next - generationion - thruster . It make actuation by accelerating ionized mote with an electric field . It creates a modest amount of thrust equate to traditional chemical rockets , but it is subject of doing so for a foresightful time and with a lot less fuel . Less fuel means less weight to hold with you into orbit and beyond .
The test measure the propulsion system ’s sack supplying social unit and power processing unit . The engineering team prove that the AEPS can convert power at a gamy - efficiency grade , give rise minimum waste high temperature . The test was perform in the thermic void sleeping room at NASA ’s Glenn Research Center in Ohio .
presently , the most powerful Hall thruster in orbit is 4.5 kilowatt . Each AEPS will be over 10 prison term more powerful , reaching 50 kilowatts .
“ Our AEPS outpouring supply unit do exceptionally , yielding significant conversion efficiency melioration important for future demand missions , ” order Eileen Drake , said chief operating officer and chairman of Aerojet Rocketdyne in astatement . “ These results are a will to the Aerojet Rocketdyne team ’s focus and dedication to kick upstairs the United States Department of State of the nontextual matter in this vital in - space applied science region . ”
The next step will be test the early systems integration . The team will then move into design finalization , and finally the critical design review . Once it passes that , the final design will move into literal product . The Lunar gateway is expected to sport four AEPS as well as chemical booster rockets .
“ By staying on the issue bound of propulsion applied science , we have put ourselves for a major role not only in start out back to the Moon , but also in any succeeding opening move to send multitude to Mars , ” Drake continued . “ AEPS is the new wave for the next generation of deep place exploration and we ’re thrilled to be at the mast . ”
