Electric Propulsion Comparator: Thrust and Efficiency…

Overview of Electric Propulsion

Electric propulsion is a method used for spacecraft propulsion that relies on electrically charged particles (ions or electrons) to generate thrust. This contrasts with traditional chemical rockets, which rely on the rapid expansion of combusted gases.

The three types of thrusters in this simulation—resistojet/arcjet, Hall-effect, and gridded ion—are each designed to optimize performance for different mission requirements.

Comparing Thrust, Isp, and Propellant Mass-Flow

Thrust is the force generated by a thruster that propels a spacecraft. Specific impulse (Isp) measures the efficiency of the propulsion system in terms of how much thrust can be produced per unit mass flow rate of propellant. Propellant mass-flow refers to the amount of fuel used over time.

In this simulation, you can observe how these parameters vary for each thruster type under different power budgets and burn durations.

live demo · related simulation● LIVE

Principles Behind Each Thruster Type

Resistojet/arcjet thrusters use resistive heating to ionize the propellant, which is then expelled through a nozzle. They are simple but less efficient than other electric propulsion systems.

Hall-effect and gridded ion thrusters utilize electromagnetic fields to accelerate ions, offering higher efficiency and better performance for long-duration missions.

Mission Delta-V Calculation

Delta-v is the total change in velocity required to achieve a mission goal. This simulation allows you to calculate delta-v using the rocket equation, which relates mass, thrust, and specific impulse.

By comparing the delta-v values across different thruster types under various conditions, you can determine which system is best suited for your space mission.

Frequently asked questions

What are resistojet/arcjet thrusters used for?

Resistojet/arcjet thrusters are typically used in short-duration missions or as a backup system due to their simplicity and lower efficiency compared to other electric propulsion systems.

Why is specific impulse important in electric propulsion?

Specific impulse indicates the effectiveness of a propellant in producing thrust. A higher Isp means less fuel is needed for the same amount of thrust, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Can these thrusters be used on Earth-based vehicles?

While electric propulsion systems are primarily used in space missions due to their efficiency, some resistojet/arcjet thrusters can also be used for atmospheric or near-Earth applications where high thrust is needed.

How does the rocket equation relate to delta-v?

The rocket equation defines how much fuel a spacecraft needs to achieve a certain change in velocity. It takes into account the mass of the spacecraft, its initial and final velocities, and the exhaust velocity of the propellant.

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Electric Propulsion Comparator and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open Electric Propulsion Comparator simulation

Electric Propulsion Comparator: Thrust and Efficiency Across Different Technologies