// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster
A magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster is a type of electric rocket engine that uses powerful electromagnetic forces to accelerate a superheated, ionized gas called plasma. This method produces very high exhaust speeds, making it efficient for long-duration space missions.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster is a high-power electric propulsion system that accelerates a plasma propellant (e.g., argon, lithium, xenon) using the Lorentz force, generated from the interaction between a high electric current and its resulting magnetic field (either self-induced or externally applied). This electromagnetic acceleration mechanism produces high specific impulse and thrust density, making it suitable for primary spacecraft propulsion on missions like interplanetary cargo transport.
BACKGROUND
A magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster (MPDT) is a form of electrically powered spacecraft propulsion which uses the Lorentz force to generate thrust. It is sometimes referred to as a Lorentz Force Accelerator (LFA) or MPD arcjet.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MPD thruster
- MPDT
- Lorentz Force Accelerator
- LFA
- plasma engine
- electromagnetic thruster
USAGE NOTE
MPD thrusters are studied for high-power applications (100 kW to megawatts) but face challenges with electrode erosion and require substantial onboard power systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster.
A major NASA center with a long history of researching and developing advanced in-space propulsion. They have conducted extensive theoretical and experimental work on high-power magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters for future deep-space and cargo missions.
A research laboratory at Princeton University known for its work on advanced electric propulsion concepts, including the development of lithium-fed Lorentz Force Accelerators (LFA), a highly efficient type of magnetoplasmadynamic thruster.
A leading European research institute that has been developing and testing various types of high-power MPD thrusters for decades. Their work focuses on improving thruster efficiency, lifetime, and performance for future applications.
Developer of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), a high-power electric propulsion system that uses radio waves to ionize and heat propellant which is then accelerated by a magnetic field. It is a related and advanced form of magnetoplasma propulsion.
JAXA's research divisions are actively studying and developing high-power electric propulsion for future missions, including work on MPD thrusters. Their research aims to enable large-scale, deep space exploration and transportation.
A research company, now part of Helion, that developed the Electrodeless Lorentz Force (ELF) thruster under NASA funding. The ELF is an advanced MPD concept designed to mitigate the electrode erosion issues that can limit the lifespan of traditional MPD thrusters.
The Central Research Institute of Machine Building, a primary research organization for the Russian space agency Roscosmos. It has a significant history in the development of high-power electric propulsion, including various designs of MPD thrusters.