The UK's Qinetiq is working on ways to improve the performance of ion optic systems (IOS) in gridded ion engines. Ion engines are considered ideal for deep space missions because of their very low fuel consumption. The IOS focuses and steers the ion stream.
Qinetiq is leading a consortium working on ion thrusters for the European Space Agency (ESA) and will be responsible for IOS design, development and manufacture.
Meanwhile, Qinetiq is to test two ion thrusters simultaneously to monitor the interactions between the spacecraft propulsion systems.
The UK research company hopes the tests will prove that two larger ion thrusters can be operated in close proximity without adverse effects, which in turn will clear the way for such a combination to be used on the European Space Agency's BepiColumbo mission to Mercury, for which ion engines are being considered.
Source: Flight International