超导型磁等离子体动力推力器发展历程及技术分析-深空探测前沿技术

doi:10.7527/S1000-6893.2026.33845

Abstract

Abstract: With the continuous expansion of human space exploration activities, traditional chemical propulsion systems can hardly meet the performance requirements of long-range deep space exploration and low-Earth orbit commercial satellite constellations. As a typical electromagnetic electric propulsion technology, the Applied-field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster (AF-MPDT) combines the core advantages of high specific impulse and high thrust density, and is widely recognized as a key candidate propulsion technology for future high-power deep space exploration missions. The introduction of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology has further broken through the bottlenecks of magnetic field strength and system power consumption in traditional AF-MPDTs. This paper elaborates the core operating principle and acceleration mechanism of AF-MPDTs, comprehensively summarizes the global research status of superconducting AF-MPDTs, reviews the development history of domestic AF-MPDT technology from tens-of-kilowatt prototypes to hundred-kilowatt-class superconducting thrusters, and analyzes the research progress of three core key technologies: space adaptation of high-field superconducting magnets, long-life cathodes under strong magnetic fields, and strong magnetic field-plasma coupling acceleration. The current development of superconducting AF-MPDTs still faces many challenges: the space environment adaptability and reliability of high-temperature superconducting magnets remain to be verified, the issues of cathode life and electrode erosion under strong magnetic fields have not been fully resolved, and the plasma confinement and acceleration mechanisms under megawatt-class high-power operating conditions still require in-depth investigation. Finally, this paper prospects the future development directions of superconducting AF-MPDTs, with the aim of providing reference for relevant research in this field.

Key words: Deep Space Exploration, Electric Propulsion Technology, Applied-field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster (AF-MPDT), Superconducting Technology, Development History

CLC Number:

V439

References

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Development History and Technical Analysis of Superconducting Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster

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