Space Plasma, Power & Propulsion Group (SP3): News & Events
Super-powerful new ion engine revealed
18th January 2006
A new design for an ion engine promises up to 10 times the fuel-efficiency of existing electric propulsion engines, according to tests by the European Space Agency. The new thruster could be used to propel craft into interstellar space, or to power a crewed mission to Mars, ESA says.
Read the article from the New Scientist magazine here.
ESA & ANU Make Space Propulsion Breakthrough
11th January 2006
The European Space Agency and the Australian National University have successfully tested a new design of spacecraft ion engine that dramatically improves performance over present thrusters and marks a major step forward in space propulsion capability. Read more here.
ESA Accelerates Towards A New Space Thruster
13th December 2005
The European Space Agency has confirmed the principle of a new space thruster, developed by the Space Plasma Power & Propulsion Group, that may ultimately give much more thrust than today’s electric propulsion techniques. The concept is an ingenious one, inspired by the northern and southern aurorae, the glows in the sky that signal increased solar activity. Read more here.
SP3 Contributes to Australian Space Science Decadal Plan
November 2005
Researchers from SP3 have responded to the call by the Australian Academy of Science's National Committe on Space Science for submissions for Australia's first Decadal Plan for Space Science. This landmark plan will foster the area of space science in Australia (meaning all aspects of solar system science beyond the troposphere), will serve as an effective link between Australian scientists and overseas scientists in the same field, and will advise the Australian Academy of Science's Council on matters relevant to space science in this country.
Professor Rod Boswell & Dr Christine Charles' submission has focussed on their work on developing the double layer concept for space plasma thrusters and the origin of the solar wind at the base of coronal funnels - a physical process of our Sun. The Decadal Plan is now in the brainstorming and consultation phases and we eagerly await its reccommendations. More details about the Decadal Plan for Space Science can be found here.
ANU & NASA Sign Space Act Agreement
July 2005
The possibility of manned mission to Mars is a step closer now a formal agreement between ANU and NASA has been signed. The Space Act formalises cooperative efforts between the University and the U.S. space agency to develop plasma propulsion technology. Read more here.
Double Layer Discovery & HDLT Feature on ABC's Catalyst Program
26th August 2004
The story of the helicon double-layer discovery and the development of the helicon double-layer plasma thruster (HDLT) featured on ABC's Catalyst Program this Thursday, 26th of August @ 8pm.
For the transcript and streamed video of the segment visit the story archive of Catalyst by clicking here.
HDLT Inventor to Address Australian Institute of Physics
University of Adelaide, 29th July 2004
The inventor of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster, Dr Christine Charles, will be addressing the South Australian Branch of the Australian Institute of Physics at its upcoming Members Lecture. In a presentation entitled "From aurorae to Mars, an electric double layer powers the newest space plasma engine" she will be discussing the underlying principles and the development of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster as well as its potential use in future Mars exploration.
For more details and a copy of the abstract for the presentation visit the AIP's South Australian Branch website.
HDLT Recieves Extensive Media Coverage
February 2004
The Helicon Double Layer Thruster has recieved extensive coverage in the media in the past month including segments on WIN News in Canberra, articles in The Bulletin, The Australian and ABC Science Online news. A story about the HDLT was also published on The Universe Today website.
For more details visit the HDLT Press Archive and click on the relevant articles.
NASA Astronaut visits SP3
August 2003
The Director of the Advance Space Propulsion Laboratory (APSL) at Johnson Space Centre (JSC) Houston and distinguished NASA astronaut, Dr Franklin Chang-Diaz visted the SP3 group at ANU to discuss the development of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster. Discussions also focused on SP3's contribution to the VASIMR project - NASA's plasma rocket designed for future interplanetary travel. Dr Chang-Diaz also gave several public talks in Canberra and Sydney during his visit.
Read the transcript of a panel discussion featuring Dr Chang-Diaz held in Canberra on the future of space business and broadcast on ABC Radio National here.
For photos taken during Dr Chang-Diaz's visit check out the HDLT Multimedia Gallery and click on the relevant images.
