Advancements and Future Perspectives in Space Propulsion Technologies: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit at a fast pace calls for propulsion systems with increased efficiency, endurance, and enhanced mission capabilities. In this internship project report, an extensive analysis of advanced space propulsion and its trends in near, medium, and far future has been done. The discussion begins with the high-power electric propulsion system in which there is analysis of propulsion strings including thrusters, cathodes, power processing units, and propellant management systems. Recent advancements in high-power Hall effect thrusters and gridded ion engines have been included, along with the problems in scaling, lifetime, power processing, and propellant availability. Next, the report analyzes mid-term propulsion options such as solar sails, electric solar wind sails, and nuclear thermal propulsion, with an emphasis on their efficiency when it comes to interplanetary travel. Finally, advanced propulsion ideas for deep-space and interstellar missions, which include nuclear electric propulsion and fusion propulsion, are analyzed according to their performance requirements and technological challenges. Literature review is utilized to compare technological readiness, propulsion efficiency, subsystem interdependency, and future development path for different space propulsion systems. The research proves that in the future space exploration will demand combined efforts of several propulsion architectures instead of relying only on one propulsion technology, such as electric, nuclear, propellant less, and fusion.