Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Physics
Mentor
Dr. Wilson Hawkins
Abstract
Most spacecrafts rely on chemical propulsion to generate thrust and venture into the depths of outer space. They rely on principles from Newton’s three laws of motion, conservation of momentum-energy, and atomic physics. However, an electronic form of propulsion also exists providing spacecrafts an alternative opposed to the sole use of chemical energy. Electronic propulsion systems or engines last longer than current chemical spacecraft engines and are improving to produce greater amount of thrusts.
Comparing the two types of spacecraft engines shows the benefits and disadvantaged obtained by using either option as well as the main differences and similarities shared between them. Electronic propulsion systems are being tested for future space explorations and are continuing to evolve over time. These electronic propulsion systems could serve as a transformative force in spacecraft engineering, potentially replacing chemical fuel and reshaping the future of space exploration.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Citation Information
Echeverria, Isaiah, "Electronic Propulsion Engines: Revolutionizing Space Travel" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 75.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/undergrad-honors/75