Electric propulsion as a national capability

Electric propulsion (EP) is broadly defined as the acceleration of gases for propulsion by electric heating and/or by electric and magnetic body forces; the high exhaust velocity of EP systems yields significant propellant savings relative to chemical; propulsion, facilitating spacecraft mass reductions or payload capacity enhancements. The attractiveness of EP increases as mass and power capacities of military, scientific, and commercial payloads increase. The low-thrust nature of EP requires, however, that devices operate longer to achieve the desired change in velocity. It is presently recommended that the U.S. capitalize on its current leadership in the EP field, developing such laboratory successes as arcjets and Xe-ion thrusters into operational spacecraft propulsion systems.