Presented By: Aerospace Engineering
AE Department Seminar: The Expansion of Electric Propulsion
Dr. Dan Lev Rafael Evanced Defense Systems, Israel
The Expansion of Electric Propulsion
Dr. Dan Lev
Rafael Evanced Defense Systems
Israel
In the hundred years since electric propulsion (EP) was originally conceived, it has been developed by an increasing number of research and industrial entities worldwide. To date, a myriad of technological subclasses of EP exist, each at a different Technological Readiness Level (TRL), from basic notions of particle acceleration techniques to space proven applications. During the first decades, following the first operation in space of an EP system in 1964, most development efforts have been invested in maturing five main types of EP technologies – ion engines, pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT), resistojets, arcjets, and Hall thrusters. The principle drivers supporting the research, development, and ultimately qualification of each of the five technologies were government entities; either space agencies or different branches of the military. We review the expansion process of EP in the past few decades. To do so, we focus on four particular spacecraft niches: (1) communication satellites in GEO, (2) satellites in LEO, (3) interplanetary or deep space missions, and (4) small satellite platforms under 100 kg. For each niche, we present statistics showing the chronological increase in the number of satellites carrying EP devices. Lastly, we overview electric propulsion activities at Rafael, Israel from in-space activities to basic development.
About the Speaker...
Dr. Dan Lev received his PhD from Princeton University in 2012 where he worked on magneto-plasma-dynamic thrusters. He is currently with Rafael, Israel, where he conducts research and develops Hall thruster based propulsion systems. Dr. Lev serves as the technical authority in the joint Israeli-European Micro-satellite Electric Propulsion System (MEPS) project under the supervision of the European space agency, and also takes part in the Venus satellite mission, currently operating in space. In parallel with his work at Rafael Dr. Lev also teaches electric propulsion at the Technion – Israel Institute of technology.
Dr. Dan Lev
Rafael Evanced Defense Systems
Israel
In the hundred years since electric propulsion (EP) was originally conceived, it has been developed by an increasing number of research and industrial entities worldwide. To date, a myriad of technological subclasses of EP exist, each at a different Technological Readiness Level (TRL), from basic notions of particle acceleration techniques to space proven applications. During the first decades, following the first operation in space of an EP system in 1964, most development efforts have been invested in maturing five main types of EP technologies – ion engines, pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT), resistojets, arcjets, and Hall thrusters. The principle drivers supporting the research, development, and ultimately qualification of each of the five technologies were government entities; either space agencies or different branches of the military. We review the expansion process of EP in the past few decades. To do so, we focus on four particular spacecraft niches: (1) communication satellites in GEO, (2) satellites in LEO, (3) interplanetary or deep space missions, and (4) small satellite platforms under 100 kg. For each niche, we present statistics showing the chronological increase in the number of satellites carrying EP devices. Lastly, we overview electric propulsion activities at Rafael, Israel from in-space activities to basic development.
About the Speaker...
Dr. Dan Lev received his PhD from Princeton University in 2012 where he worked on magneto-plasma-dynamic thrusters. He is currently with Rafael, Israel, where he conducts research and develops Hall thruster based propulsion systems. Dr. Lev serves as the technical authority in the joint Israeli-European Micro-satellite Electric Propulsion System (MEPS) project under the supervision of the European space agency, and also takes part in the Venus satellite mission, currently operating in space. In parallel with his work at Rafael Dr. Lev also teaches electric propulsion at the Technion – Israel Institute of technology.
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