Case Study: High Power Plasma Amplifier for Plasma Rocket Engine
Customer Issue:
- Rocket manufacturer required very high efficient and high power plasma amplifiers for plasma rocket engine system
- Customer subcontracted Nautel to build high powered and high efficiency plasma amplifiers for space
Nautel Solution:
- Nautel developed and built 50kW and 180kW plasma amplifiers for first and second stage of the rocket engine
- Amplifiers are solid state, water cooled with efficiency over 97% DC to RF conversion
- Will be tested in 2013 (anticipated) in the space station
Status:
Working prototype in vacuum chamber
Customer Comment:
“Nautel’s compact and light weight high power RF technology is critical to a successful space application. In addition, the low voltage requirements of these RF transmitters make them compatible with the voltage output of space-borne solar power arrays, eliminating costly and bulky power transformers and other intermediate power conditioning equipment.”
Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz
Chairman and CEO, Ad Astra
