Advanced Electric Thruster (A Space Electric Ramjet)

Abstract
Laboratory experiments have established that axisymmetric plasma accelerators using a solenoidal magnetic field can produce thrust by recycling the ambient material of the vacuum tank in which they were operated, indicating that an electromagnetic accelerator on a satellite at low altitude should be able to ionize and accelerate air streaming by it and produce thrust for drag make up. This principle is the basis of the space electric ramjet. Use of solar cell arrays to supply power gives the system a theoretical unlimited total impulse, otherwise limited by engine cathode and anode lifetimes. Minimum system performance requirements for drag make up in the 100-300 miles altitude range are computed. Basic design parameters for system components (anode, cathode, magnet coil, insulators) and power requirements are calculated.

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