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Teams to research critical issues in electric propulsion NASA NEWS RELEASE Posted: October 18, 2004 NASA announced the selection of four teams to conduct research into critical issues in electric propulsion in support of the Vision for Space Exploration. Electric-propulsion critical issues research is part of Prometheus, within NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Total value of the work over a three-year period is approximately $6 million. NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland, has been selected to develop an electrode-less microwave electron- cyclotron resonance cathode for high power ion propulsion systems. This award is valued at approximately $1.8 million over three years. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is an important member of this team. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., has been selected for an approximately $1.7 million, three-year contract to develop a high power two-stage pulsed plasma thruster system. The University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan and Aerojet, Redmond, Wash., will be making valuable contributions to this effort. Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., has been selected to develop a long life pulsed-propellant injector for pulsed inductive thruster systems. This award is valued at approximately $1.9 million over a little more than two years. RLD Associates, Encino, Calif., and VACCO Industries, South El Monte, Calif., are important members of this team. University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio, has been selected for an approximately $0.4 million contract, with work to be performed over three years, to improve the long-term stability of high temperature magnets for high power electric propulsion systems. GRC is also an important member of this team. "Advanced propulsion has historically been a key to extending our ability to explore," said Ray Taylor, Acting Deputy Director of Prometheus, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "By taking on the challenges of these critical issues in bringing electric propulsion technologies to readiness, NASA and its partners pave the way for a more cost-effective and exciting set of solar system exploration missions. They will ultimately enable us to achieve our Vision for Space Exploration." John Warren, Advanced Systems and Technology Manager, Prometheus added, "Electric propulsion thrusters are the 'gas sippers' in the world of space propulsion. If they can be made long lasting, light, throttleable and able to use cheaper fuels, they hold the potential to enable extremely reliable and affordable in-space transportation with a broad range of applications to missions that will achieve the NASA vision." Each contract award will cover a base and two or three performance periods. Continued support from one period to the next is contingent on program need, availability of funds and each team's ability to meet proposed milestones. |
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The Russian Soyuz TMA-5 capsule successfully docks to the International Space Station, delivering the Expedition 10 crew for its half-year mission. (3min 21sec file)
This longer-length broadband clip follows the Soyuz TMA-5 capsule's approach and docking to the station's Pirs module. (8min 47sec file)
Russian and U.S. space officials hold a post-docking press conference from the mission control center outside Moscow. (23min 04sec file)
The Russian Soyuz rocket blasts off from Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying the Expedition 10 crew International Space Station for a six-month mission. (2min 25sec file)
This longer-length broadband clip follows the launch of Expedition 10 from the final minute of the countdown through deployment of the Soyuz capsule from the third stage. (10min 15sec file)
The State Commission hears from senior Russian and American officials before giving final approval to launch Expedition 10 to the International Space Station. (13min 46sec file)