Iodine-compatible hollow cathodes
Iodine can fuel spacecraft thrusters. A hot electron source for higher-power systems must also survive the reactive iodine plasma.
Space propulsion
Within Space propulsion · Search all subjects
Orbital cryogenic refueling
Moving cold propellant between tanks on one spacecraft has been demonstrated. Can two separate spacecraft connect and transfer it reliably in orbit?
Air-breathing electric propulsion
A very low satellite could scoop up the thin atmosphere and use it as electric-thruster propellant. Can the complete intake and thruster provide sustained thrust exceeding their own drag with available onboard power and no steady stored propellant supply?