Powered flight of HAYABUSA in deep space

Abstract

The electron cyclotron resonance ion engine, "μ10,"" has a long life and high reliability because of electrodeless plasma generation in both the ion generator and the neutralizer. Four μ10, each generating a thrust of 8 mN, specific impulse of 3,200 seconds, and consuming 350 W of electric power, propel the "HAYABUSA" asteroid explorer that was launched on May 2003. After vacuum exposure and several runs of bailing to reduce residual gas, the ion engine system established continuous acceleration. Delta-V Earth Gravity Assist, a new orbit change scheme that uses electric propulsion with a high specific impulse was applied to change from a terrestrial orbit to an asteroid-based orbit. In 2005, HAYABUSA, using solar electric propulsion, managed to successfully cover the distance between 0.86 AU and 1.7 AU in the solar system, as well as rendezvous with, land on, and lift off from the asteroid Itokawa. During the 3-year flight, the ion engine system generated a delta-V of 1,400 m/s while consuming 22 kg of xenon propellant and operating for 25,900 hours. Show more