Electric propulsion enables leap in exploration.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS

A new generation of spacecraft can deploy from low Earth orbit and soar to their final position via electrical propulsion.

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At the heart of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program is the development of a 175 kilowatt ultra lightweight high power generator that initially will be made available to the international space station.

When combined with electric propulsion, the power generator will enable new, self deployed, high mobility spacecraft to perform multiple missions, including ultra-high-power communications, space radar, satellite transfer and servicing runs, said...