This National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) Project Grant award of $274,958 to Forchun LLC (Plasmizer) aims to develop an innovative electric propulsion (EP) system that can extend the operational lifespan of satellites and safely remove space debris from orbit. The project proposes to combine gridded ion thruster (GIT) and Hall thruster (HT) technologies into a single Gridded Hall Thruster (GHT) system. This integrated EP solution is designed to overcome the limitations of individual GIT and HT technologies, enabling optimal performance and extended lifetime for various on-orbit servicing applications. The successful completion of this 8-month project, starting July 1, 2024, is expected to significantly advance electric propulsion technology and support critical applications in space, such as satellite life extension and space debris removal.
Generated 2/25/25, 5:42 AM