Module aims

Through this module you will become familiar with the fundamental concepts and practical engineering theory related to propulsion systems for spacecraft.  Both chemical and electrical thruster technologies will be discussed.  This will include an overview of plasma physics relevant to electric propulsion devices.  Additionally, essential astrodynamics concepts including orbital transfers, plane change, low thrust manoeuvres will be reviewed.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

  • Select appropriate spacecraft propulsive systems, based on a broad knowledge of the types available and their working principles.
  • Appreciate the design drivers and mission requirements for modern spacecraft propulsion systems.
  • Understand the fundamentals of charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields and basic plasma physics phenomenon, including Lorentz force, plasma sheaths, Child-Langmuir law and Hall effect.
  • Calculate the performance of chemical and electric propulsion systems from experimentally observable parameters.
  • Determine the propellant requirements based on propulsion system performance and orbital manoeuvre requirements.
  • Calculate the power requirements of an electric propulsion system based on a thrust and specific impulse target.
  • Conceptually design and size a cold-gas, monopropellant or bi-propellant propulsion system based on high-level system requirements.
  • Conceptually design and size an electric propulsion system based on high level system requirements.

Module content

  • Introduction to spacecraft propulsion.
  • Overview of missions and thruster types.
  • Review of fundamental concepts.
  • Mission analysis and propellant budgets.
  • Review of classical astrodynamics, orbital elements and orbital perturbations.
  • Hohmann transfers and plane change manoeuvres.
  • Low thrust orbital transfers.
  • Monopropellant thrusters, bi-propellant thrusters and resistojets.
  • Electromagnetic theory and plasma physics.
  • Arcjet thrusters.
  • Hollow cathode neutralizers.
  • Physics in the plasma sheath.
  • Gridded Ion Engines.
  • Hall Effect Thrusters.
  • VASIMR thruster.
  • ECR thrusters.
  • Electrospray thrusters.
  • Overview of spacecraft propulsion research at Imperial.
  • Exotic propulsion (electrodynamic tethers, laser propulsion, nuclear propulsion, etc.).

Module lead

Aaron Knoll

ECTS/FHEQ

5/7

Module code

AERO70037

Host department

Department of Aeronautics

Offered to

  • Mechanical Engineering Y4&5

Term

Autumn

Time slot

AM

Teaching weeks

2-7, 10-11

August resit opportunity?

Yes

How to apply

DSS

Application deadline

9am Monday 23rd June 2025

Places available (approximate)

10

Criteria used for student selection

Random allocation after deadline if numbers exceed 10