Ion Engine Prototype Passes 18000 Hours Of Autonomous Operation

ROCKET SCIENCE

the quiet glow of a cheap and easy interplanetary propulsion system has been one of Japan's goals for over a decade.

Tokyo - Jan 28, 2003
The Japanese built spacecraft MUSES-C that will attempt the first asteroid sample return mission is currently scheduled for launch in May 2003. To power this breakthrough mission the spacecraft will use a microwave ion engine for most of its deep space operation.

As part of the verification process for this engine, the Institute for Space Astronautical Science (ISAS) has had a prototype model of this engine operating for over 18000 hours of autonomous endurance running following its start up on March 30, 2000.

It successfully achieved the original goal of 18000 hours at 2:00AM on October 25, 2002, and remains operational to this day. The engine used for the endurance test is a prototype model of MUSES-C and has been produced in complete accordance with the design, material and manufacturing of the flight model.

Over this time there has been some down time in the sequence of cumulative time. However all these downtimes have been due to operational requirements and do not indicate in any way a malfunctioning of the engine: For example the engine has been shutdown for flight model testing and adjusting; legally scheduled power cuts to the ISAS plant, and regular maintenance and inspection of the engine.

Moreover, through the entire test period, the engine has successfully maintained the required thrust performance level, which clearly proves its high potential as a reliable engine in the future.

In this ion engine Xenon is being used as the propellant, and electrons are emitted from the luminescent point, neutralizer, in front. While some wear due to Xenon sputtering is visible around the ion beam acceleration and outlet areas ISAS says these are well within expectations and has had no impact on the performance of the engine.

ROCKET SCIENCE

Ion Engines Will Help Open Up Sol

Pasadena (JPL) Sep 10, 2002
To most vehicle owners, the value of their vehicle decreases while the mileage on the engine increases. That wisdom does not hold true for NASA's ion engine, whose odometer continues to spin to the delight of its owners.

NASA Awards First Major Contracts For Nuclear Electric Engines

St. Louis - Oct 3, 2002
A team of government, industry and academia, under the leadership of The Boeing Company, has been awarded a contract with NASA to develop new nuclear electric power systems for deep space exploration.

Adios In Deep Space

Pasadena - Dec 18, 2001
With the highly successful primary, extended, and hyperextended missions behind it, the Deep Space 1 mission is over. The spacecraft continues to function, but engineers held a bittersweet retirement party for the veteran explorer today. The guest of honor was, of course, unable to attend because of travel commitments.

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