The Vasimr Engine: Concept Development, Recent Accomplishments and Future Plans
The Vasimr Engine: Concept Development, Recent Accomplishments and Future Plans
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Vasimr 引擎：概念开发、近期成就和未来计划
DOI：
10.13182/fst03-a11963555
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发表时间：
2003
影响因子：
0.9
通讯作者：
F. C. Díaz
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
F. C. Díaz
可变比冲磁等离子火箭 (VASIMR) 的开发始于 20 世纪 70 年代末，旨在满足快速、高功率行星际空间运输的关键要求。虽然不是聚变火箭，但它大量借鉴了该技术，并利用了开放式磁系统的自然拓扑。除了高功率密度和高排气速度外，VASIMR 还具有“恒定功率节流”功能，可在飞行任务中对推力和比冲进行优化，以增强性能并减少行程时间。一个由美国宇航局领导、涉及工业界、学术界和政府机构的研究小组正在美国寻求这一概念的发展。该技术短期内可以在国际空间站等场所进行验证，在那里它还可以用作轨道设施的阻力补偿装置和等离子体接触器。还设想了商业和科学卫星领域的其他近地应用。本演讲涵盖了 VASIMR 概念的演变到现在的状态，以及我们在理解物理学方面的最新成就。还将提出解决主要技术挑战的方法和合作计划。
The development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) was initiated in the late 1970s to address a critical requirement for fast, high-power interplanetary space transportation. While not being a fusion rocket, it nevertheless borrows heavily from that technology and takes advantage of the natural topology of open-ended magnetic systems. In addition to its high power density and high exhaust velocity, VASIMR is capable of “constant power throttling” a feature, which allows in-flight mission-optimization of thrust and specific impulse to enhance performance and reduce trip time. A NASA-led, research team, involving industry, academia and government facilities is pursuing the development of this concept in the United States. The technology can be validated, in the near term, in venues such as the International Space Station, where it can also serve as both a drag compensation device and a plasma contactor for the orbital facility. Other near-Earth applications in the commercial and scientific satellite sectors are also envisioned. This presentation covers the evolution of the VASIMR concept to its present status, as well as recent accomplishments in our understanding of the physics. Approaches and collaborative programs addressing the major technical challenges will also be presented.