Advanced plasma (propulsion) concepts at IRS

Several advanced plasma propulsion designs have been developed and characterized at IRS in the past years. Among them are the hybrid thruster TIHTUS, the steady state applied-field thrusters AF-MPD ZT1 and ZT2 and advanced iMPD designs. These concepts show promising potential for future missions. The paper will discuss the designs and their operational features. In addition, more advanced systems are under investigation, among others fusion systems and magnetic sail systems. These systems are not likely to see in-flight testing within the next years, but they offer opportunities for investigation potentially applicable to terrestrial designs. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.