Application of flyer acceleration by pulsed ion beam ablation to deep space thruster

Flyer acceleration by ablation plasma pressure produced by irradiation of intense pulsed ion beam has been studied. Acceleration process including expansion of ablation plasma was simulated based on fluid model. In experiments, flyer velocities of 5.6 km/s and ablation plasma pressure of 15 GPa were demonstrated and these results agree well with numerical simulation. Finally, applicability of ablation propulsion was discussed. Specific impulse of 7000∼8000 seconds and time averaged thrust of up to 5000∼6000N can be expected.