The DEEP Thruster Concept

Abstract

The “Decentralized Energy Electric Propulsion” (DEEP) concept is currently developed at DLR to establish new technologies in electric propulsion. To utilize electric propulsion for lifetime on small satellites with limited electrical power, the thruster is combined with structure-integrated Supercapacitors and operated intermittently. This allows the use of lower power battery and solar panel system on the satellite itself as well as a reduction in overall mass, therefore increasing the available payload mass. The thruster itself consists of an electron-cyclotron-resonance discharge in combination with an magnetic nozzle for plasma acceleration. A preliminary system analysis is conducted to investigate the major influences on system performance and demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in comparison to a continuously firing thruster.