// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Resistojet
A resistojet is a type of electric propulsion system that heats a propellant gas, such as ammonia or hydrazine, using an electric heater to expand it and generate thrust through a nozzle. Unlike chemical rockets, it doesn't burn fuel but rather uses electrical power to warm a stored gas.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A resistojet is an electric propulsion device for spacecraft that generates thrust by electrically heating a gaseous propellant, typically hydrazine or ammonia, using a resistive element, causing thermal expansion and expulsion through a de Laval nozzle, thereby achieving moderate specific impulse (Isp) and low thrust for orbital maneuvers. This electrothermal thruster converts electrical energy into kinetic energy of the exhaust gas.
BACKGROUND
Spacecraft electric propulsion encompasses propulsion systems that use electric energy to accelerate and expel propellant, generating thrust through electric or magnetic fields. Their principal advantage over chemical rockets is much higher specific impulse, meaning greater propellant efficiency, but the limited electrical power available aboard spacecraft yields much lower thrust, making electric propulsion unsuitable for launch from Earth's surface and better suited to long-duration in-space maneuvers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Electrothermal Thruster
- Resistojet Thruster
- Heated Gas Thruster
USAGE NOTE
Resistojets are primarily used for satellite station-keeping, orbit raising, and attitude control, offering higher specific impulse than cold gas thrusters but lower than ion or Hall effect thrusters.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Resistojet.
Aerojet Rocketdyne
A major aerospace manufacturer that has developed and produced resistojet propulsion systems for various spacecraft applications, including orbit raising and station keeping.
Busek Co. Inc.
Specializes in electric propulsion systems, including compact resistojet thrusters designed for small satellites and CubeSats, offering low-power, high-thrust solutions.
VACCO Industries
Known for developing and manufacturing micro-propulsion systems, including resistojet thrusters used for precision satellite maneuvers and deorbiting.
Moog Inc.
Provides a range of propulsion solutions for spacecraft, including resistojet thrusters that offer reliable and efficient performance for attitude control and orbital adjustments.
T4i (Technology for Propulsion and Innovation)
An Italian company focused on advanced propulsion systems, including the research, development, and testing of resistojet technologies for various satellite platforms.
Airbus Defence and Space
A leading space company that integrates and sometimes develops propulsion systems for its satellites, including electric propulsion options like resistojets for station-keeping and orbit control.
Space Electric Propulsion (SEP) Ltd.
A UK-based company specializing in electric propulsion for small satellites, actively developing micro-resistojet systems for propulsion and deorbiting.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Through its various centers like Glenn Research Center, NASA conducts extensive research and development into electric propulsion technologies, including advanced resistojet concepts for future missions.