NASA is testing a massive solar engine, the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS), to support future moon missions. The AEPS will be used to power the Lunar Gateway, a small spacecraft that will orbit the moon and serve as a living quarters for astronauts, a lab for science and research, and a holding area for rovers and other robots.
The solar engine has been fired up in a vacuum chamber that simulates the conditions of space at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The AEPS is a Hall thruster, a type of ion engine that accelerates ions to produce thrust. It is more efficient than chemical rockets, requiring less propellant and providing a longer life span for deep space missions.
The AEPS engine is developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne under a contract from NASA. The engine provides a total thrust power of 13.3 kilowatts, almost three times the power of current electric propulsion systems in use. The AEPS also has a higher fuel efficiency, over 50 percent more efficient than the engines used on the current Mars rovers.
The engine is being tested to ensure it can withstand the stresses of launch and the harsh environment of space. The tests will also verify that the engine can deliver the performance needed for the Lunar Gateway. The engine will undergo a series of tests, including a 2,000-hour test to demonstrate its durability and reliability.
NASA’s Lunar Gateway is part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024. The Gateway will be a critical component of this mission, providing support for both robotic and human expeditions to the lunar surface. It will also serve as a staging point for future missions to Mars and beyond.
The use of solar electric propulsion systems like the AEPS is a key element of NASA’s strategy for deep space exploration. These systems provide the capability to carry larger payloads, extend the life of spacecraft, and enable missions to destinations that are currently beyond reach. The successful development and testing of the AEPS engine represent a major step forward in this strategy.
The Lunar Gateway will be launched in the late 2020s. It will be assembled in space, with components contributed by international partners including Canada, Europe, and Japan. The Gateway will be used for a variety of scientific research, including studies of the moon’s geology and environment, as well as investigations of the deep space environment. The Gateway will also provide an opportunity to test new technologies that will be needed for future missions to Mars and other destinations in the solar system.
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