Propulsion method
Arcjet Thruster
An electrothermal thruster that passes propellant through an electric arc, heating it far beyond what a chemical reaction alone allows before it expands through a nozzle. Arcjets have flown operationally for satellite station-keeping, offering higher exhaust velocity than cold-gas or simple resistojet systems.
Highlights
- ›Propellant superheated by an electric arc
Hardware & related concepts
Knowledge connections
- Associated withElectric Propulsion
- Associated withResistojet Thruster
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.