关键词: 航天器推进;微波技术;等离子体推进;轨道机动发动机;卫星姿态控制

Abstract: The primary principle configuration features and utility prospect of a new space propulsion system——microwave plasma thruster(MPT) were analysised and discussedAccording to the theoretical and experimental results achieved up to date,the conclusions can be drawn that MPT is a kind of advanced thruster with high specific impulse,long lifetime and low thrust,and especially fits for space propulsion such as orbit transfer,attitude cotrol,stationkeeping,docking and rendezious,and planetary missionsAlthough MPT is still at the theoretical and experimental exploratory research stage,it is very likely to be a new promising space propulsion system

Key words: Spacecraft propulsion;Microwave technique;Plasma propulsion;Orbit maneuvering engine;Satellite attitude control