Chemical propellant has enabled spacecraft to explore other planets in ways that people once thought impossible, but, in the grand scheme of exploring our solar system and going beyond it, this can ultimately only get us so far. Enter electric propulsion systems, which propel a spacecraft by using electromagnetic forces to accelerate a gas. This method provides several benefits over traditional propulsion systems, which will allow electric propulsion to play a key role in the future of space exploration.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I chat with Dr. Daniel White about what types of electric propulsion systems are used on spacecraft and why you would choose one type over another, along with the physics behind how each of these work, and how these systems are designed to help meet the mission objectives.

Dr. White is an Assistant Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Throughout his career, he has done incredible work on this topic through his past work at JPL, Space Systems Loral, and MIT.

Buy your 2020 dumpster fire candles here!

https://dumpsterfirecandle.com/