A space shuttle is launched into space with the help of a rocket. A rocket is a machine that develops thrust by means of rapid expulsion of matter i.e. expansion of propellant. The major components of a chemical rocket assembly are a rocket engine, various types of propellants (the majority of which consist of fuel and an oxidizer i.e hypergolic liquid propellants), a frame to hold the components, control systems and a cargo such as a satellite. A rocket differs from other engines in that it carries its fuel and oxidizer internally, therefore it will burn in the vacuum of space as well as within the Earths atmosphere. The cargo is commonly referred to as the payload. A rocket is called a launch vehicle when it is used to launch a satellite or other payload into space. Also it is a non-reusable launch vehicle. Once a rocket is launched, it will be irrecoverable. At present, rockets are the only means capable of achieving the altitude and velocity necessary to put a payload into orbit. Therefore the most important part of the rocket remains the propulsion system. It is the propulsion system that generates the thrust which enables the rocket to achieve the velocity that can counter the earths gravitational force and take the rocket into space and thus, it is pivotal to research about new ways to propel the rockets, increase efficiency and reduce operation costs, etc. Ion thrusters have proven to be a suitable and efficient alternative to conventional propulsion systems. With very low demand on fuel due to very high specific impulse generation, ion thrusters can easily rival the chemical propulsion systems, even if the produced thrust is much lower. The system can satisfy various mission demands like orbit station keeping for geostationary satellites, orbit and attitude controlling and multi-goal missions. Whereas chemical propulsion is highly unsuitable for deep space missions, ion thrusters are also making it possible to reach out further into deep space. This paper represents a basic functioning of electric propulsion systems, specifically on the Ion Thruster with its design and functions.
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Abstract
