Advanced Electric and Plasma Propulsion Systems: Plasma Dynamics, Performance Optimization, and Space Applications
This special issue belongs to the section "Astronautics & Space Science".
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Electric propulsion is now indispensable for satellite mega-constellations, deep-space missions, and sustainable space transportation. Advances in Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines, and novel plasma devices have expanded their role from station-keeping to orbit-raising and interplanetary flight. Yet challenges persist: anomalous electron transport, plasma–surface interactions, plume–spacecraft coupling, and performance optimization under lifetime constraints remain open frontiers. This Special Issue bridges fundamental plasma physics and aerospace engineering to accelerate progress.
This Special Issue aims to disseminate recent advances in advanced electric and plasma propulsion systems, spanning plasma dynamics, performance optimization, and space applications. We welcome original research and review articles.
We look forward to your contributions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kangwu Zhu
Dr. Siyin Zhou
Guest Editors
Dr. Kai Zhang
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- plasma dynamics and kinetic modeling
- hall-effect, ion, and MPD thruster optimization
- novel electric propulsion concepts and electro-chemical hybrid propulsion
- plasma–surface interactions, erosion, and lifetime prediction
- plume modeling and spacecraft contamination mitigation
- power processing, thermal management, and system integration
- AI and machine learning for electrical propulsion design and control
- on-orbit demonstration, flight data, and mission analysis
- high-fidelity simulation (PIC, fluid, hybrid) and diagnostics
- autonomous operation and thrust vectoring system
- electric propulsion measurement technology
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Published Papers
Aerospace - ISSN 2226-4310