RITA Ion Thruster

Ion Propulsion
How it Works
Advantages
Applications
Heritage
Thruster RIT-10
Thruster RIT-XT
Thruster RIT-22
Xenon Regulator
Eureca
Artemis

RITA Radiofrequency Ion Propulsion

How it Works.

The working principles of ion propulsion are based on the electrostatic acceleration of electrically charged gas atoms, so called ions.

With the Rita radio frequency ion thruster, atoms from the noble gas Xenon are ionised by collision with electrons in a radio frequency field. In a second step, these ions are accelerated by means of an acceleration grid and are discharged at exhaust velocities in excess of 40 km/second.

Working Principle: Chemical - versus - Ion Propulsion

Chemical Propulsion

Ion Propulsion

	Propellant(s) (Oxidiser/Fuel)

	Chemical energy stored within propellants

	Combustion

	Hot gas

	Nozzle

Propellant (Xenon)

Electrical energy added (solar, nuclear)

Ions

Electric field (grid system)

Acceleration
of propellants

Thrust

Radio Frequency Ion Propulsion
Astrium have concentrated their ion propulsion development on the Radio Frequency Ion Thruster Assembly (RITA). This technology is currently demonstrating performance 30 - 50% higher than alternative ion propulsion systems whilst combining extremely low propellant consumption.

RITA is propelled by Xenon, an inert noble gas that occurs naturally and which is entirely harmless, non toxic and environmental friendly.

How the Radio-frequency Ion Thruster works

Radio-frequency Ion Thruster

Plume (RIT-10)

Operating Principles:

Xenon atoms are fed into a discharge vessel.

Using electrically generated radio waves, electrons in the Xenon gas are caused to accelerate.

The accelerating electrons collide with the Xenon atoms causing the extraction of an additional electron for the production of positively charged Xenon ions. (By this means, the discharge is self sustaining i.e. no electrons are introduced into the thruster)

In a second step, the Xenon ions are accelerated in an electrostatic field at speeds of between 40 - 60 km/sec.

When the ions have left the thruster, electrons are added from a neutraliser. The plasma is thereby neutralised which prevents the satellite from becoming charged.

Development for the Future
Astrium is currently developing an advanced RITA-22 ion propulsion system yielding a nominal specific impulse up to 4500 seconds and a thrust level up to 200 mN.

Radio frequency Ion Propulsion Schematic
Radio Frequency ion propulsion system schematic. Subsystem and test heritage is given in the table of Hardware and Partners.

Radio frequency Ion Propulsion Hardware & Partners
RITA-22 has evolved step-by-step upon the heritage of previous space-proven ion propulsion systems, tens of thousands of hours testing, an experienced team of major European partners, established hardware and the foundations of almost 40 years experience.

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