"Spacecraft propulsion is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites."
The mechanisms used to move a spacecraft, such as chemical rockets or ion engines.
Orbital Mechanics: The study of motion of objects in space, including spacecraft.
Rocket Propulsion: The physics and principles of how rockets generate thrust to propel spacecraft.
Aerodynamics: The study of the motion of air and other gases.
Fluid Dynamics: The study of fluids in motion, including gases and liquids.
Materials Science: The study of the properties of materials and how they can be used in spacecraft.
Thermal Management: The control of temperatures within a spacecraft to ensure it operates within the required range.
Electrical and Electronic Systems: The design, development, and operation of electrical systems and electronic devices used in spacecraft.
Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS): The provision of stable atmospheric conditions and water and food supply inside a spacecraft.
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC): The collection, processing, and use of data to control the movements of spacecraft and maintain accuracy in the operation.
Propellant Storage and Handling: The storage systems and handling procedures for rocket fuels, liquids, and gases used in spacecraft.
Spacecraft Design and Structures: The physical shape and construction material selection for spacecraft.
Launch Vehicle Design: The design and operation of launch vehicles to get spacecraft off the ground.
Communications Systems: Techniques used to send and receive information from spacecraft.
Payload Integration: The integration of the instruments or equipment aboard the spacecraft.
Safety and Reliability Engineering: The testing and evaluating procedures to ensure the safety and reliability of spacecraft.
Chemical Propulsion: The most common form of propulsion which involves the use of chemical reactions to generate thrust.
Electric Propulsion: A type of propulsion that utilizes the principles of electromagnetism to generate propulsion.
Solar Sails: A propulsion system that uses the pressure generated from solar radiation on a large reflective surface to generate thrust.
Nuclear Propulsion: A propulsion system that involves the use of nuclear reactions to generate thrust.
Ion Propulsion: Similar to electric propulsion, but instead utilizes the acceleration of ions to create propulsion.
Plasma Propulsion: A type of electric propulsion that involves the use of accelerated plasma to generate thrust.
Pulsed Plasma Thrusters: A specific type of plasma propulsion that involves the use of short bursts of plasma to generate thrust.
Laser Propulsion: A form of propulsion where a laser is used to accelerate and generate thrust.
Microwave Propulsion: A type of propulsion where microwaves are used to create plasma, which then generates thrust.
Antimatter Propulsion: A theoretical form of propulsion that utilizes the energy produced by the reaction of antimatter and matter to generate thrust.
"In-space propulsion exclusively deals with propulsion systems used in the vacuum of space and should not be confused with space launch or atmospheric entry."
"Most satellites have simple reliable chemical thrusters (often monopropellant rockets) or resistojet rockets for orbital station-keeping."
"Russian and antecedant Soviet bloc satellites have used electric propulsion for decades."
"Newer Western geo-orbiting spacecraft are starting to use [electric propulsion] for north-south station-keeping and orbit raising."
"Interplanetary vehicles mostly use chemical rockets as well, although a few have used ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters."
"[Electric propulsion] technologies will permit mission designers to plan missions to 'fly anytime, anywhere, and complete a host of science objectives at the destinations' and with greater reliability and safety."
"Expert opinion now holds that a portfolio of propulsion technologies should be developed to provide optimum solutions for a diverse set of missions and destinations."
"Most satellites have simple reliable chemical thrusters [...], but they may have drawbacks related to complexity or efficiency."
"Some satellites use momentum wheels for attitude control."
"Newer Western geo-orbiting spacecraft are starting to use [electric propulsion] for north-south station-keeping."
"Yes, a few interplanetary vehicles have used ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters (two different types of electric propulsion)."
"These [hypothetical in-space propulsion] technologies are intended to provide effective exploration of the Solar System."
"[Future propulsion technologies] will permit mission designers to plan missions to 'fly anytime, anywhere, and complete a host of science objectives at the destinations' and with greater reliability and safety."
"The question of which technologies are 'best' for future missions is a difficult one."
"A portfolio of propulsion technologies should be developed to provide optimum solutions for a diverse set of missions and destinations."
"Russian and antecedant Soviet bloc satellites have used electric propulsion for decades."
"Newer Western geo-orbiting spacecraft are starting to use [electric propulsion] for north-south station-keeping and orbit raising."
"Interplanetary vehicles mostly use chemical rockets as well, although a few have used ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters."
"[Future propulsion technologies] will permit mission designers to plan missions [...] with greater reliability and safety."