S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
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S.8 Classification of <strong>Propulsion</strong> <strong>Systems</strong><br />
<strong>Spacecraft</strong> propulsion can be classified according <strong>to</strong> the source of energy utilized for the<br />
ejection of propellant:<br />
Chemical propulsion use heat energy produced by a chemical reaction <strong>to</strong> generate<br />
gases at high temperature and pressure in a combustion chamber. These hot gases are<br />
accelerated through a nozzle and ejected from the system at a high exit velocity <strong>to</strong><br />
produce thrust force.<br />
Electric propulsion uses electric or electromagnetic energy <strong>to</strong> eject matter at high<br />
velocity <strong>to</strong> produce thrust force.<br />
Nuclear propulsion uses energy from a nuclear reac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> heat gases which are then<br />
accelerated through a nozzle and ejected from the system at a high exit velocity <strong>to</strong><br />
produce thrust force.