In-Space Propulsion Electric Propulsion Technologies Mission Benefits

The primary source of electric propulsion development within NASA is the In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) Project at the NASA Glenn Research Center under the management of the Science Mission Directorate. The electric propulsion (EP) technology area's objective is to develop near and mid-term EP technology that enhances or enables mission capture while minimizing risk and cost to the end user. Major activities include developing NASA's evolutionary xenon thruster (NEXT) and a long life high voltage hall accelerator (HiVHAC). Lower level investments include advanced feed system development, evaluating life qualification standards, and evaluating the applicability of commercially available systems to NASA science missions. Mission benefits of investment technologies for Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship mission are presented.