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Space propulsion
01WOHXA, 01WOHMT
A.A. 2026/27
Course Language
Inglese
Degree programme(s)
Master of science-level of the Bologna process in Ingegneria Aerospaziale - Torino
Course structure
| Teaching | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lezioni | 51 |
| Esercitazioni in aula | 9 |
Lecturers
| Teacher | Status | SSD | h.Les | h.Ex | h.Lab | h.Tut | Years teaching |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestieri Andrea | Ricercatore L240/10 | IIND-01/G | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Co-lectures
Context
| SSD | CFU | Activities | Area context | ING-IND/07 | 6 | D - A scelta dello studente | A scelta dello studente |
|---|
2026/27
The scope of the course is to present the complexity, critical aspects and opportunities of space missions and provide tools for their design. The Space propulsion module aims at providing to the students the basic notions which concern space manoeuvres and at describing the propulsive systems apt at the realization of such manoeuvres, which particular emphasis on electric propulsion. The main methods to obtain thrust in space are presented, considering electrothermal, electrostatic and electromagnetic acceleration of a propellant, and a description of the most common electric propulsion system (both existing and under development) is given. Each module consist of approximately 45 hours of formal lectures and 15 hours of computing classes.
The scope of the course is to present the complexity, critical aspects, and opportunities of space missions and to provide tools for their design. The Space Propulsion module aims to provide students with the basic notions related to space maneuvers, and to describe the propulsion systems apt for performing such maneuvers, with particular emphasis on electric propulsion. The main methods for generating thrust in space are presented, including electrothermal, electrostatic, and electromagnetic acceleration of a propellant. A description of the most common electric propulsion system (both existing and under development) is also provided. The course consists of approximately 45 hours of lectures and 15 hours of numerical exercises.
Students will be able to:
Know the most important space manuevers and evaluate their propulsive requirements;
know in details the most important electric propulsion systems, their performance and application fields;
apply the gained knowledge in order to evaluate propulsive solutions and their performance in relation to the mission requirements.
Students will be able to:
-) know the most important space maneuvers and evaluate their propulsive requirements;
-) know in detail the most important electric propulsion systems, their performance, and their fields of application;
-) apply the acquired knowledge to evaluate propulsive solutions and their performance in relation to mission requirements.
Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. In addition, basic knowledge of space systems, astrodynamics, propulsion and electronics.
Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. In addition, basic knowledge of space systems, astrodynamics, propulsion and electronics.
Principles of propulsion in space. Thrust and specific impulse. Tsiolkowski's equation. Velocity losses
Comparison of chemical propulsion and electric propulsio, Optimal specific impulse.
Hohmann transfer. Evasion and capture maneuvers, interplanetary transfers. Low thrust trajectories and Edelbaum approximation.
Review of basic concepts of electromagnetism and ionization, plasma definition. Particle collisions: classification and cross section.
Scalar conductivity andf Hall parameter; particle motion in varying electromagnetic fields.
Electrothermal propulsion: losses propellants. Resistojects. Arcjects.
Electrostatic propulsion: ideal efficiency and ionization. Acceleration: Child's law and bidimensional effects, acceleration/deceleration. Neutralization. Ion theusters, FEEP and colloidal thrusters.
Hall effect thrusters.
Electromagnetic propulsion: magnetogasdynamics equations. Pumping and blowing. MPD self-field and applied-field thrusters. Vasimr.
Unsteady electromagnetic propulsion: pulse plasma thrusters.
Power sources
Nuclear propulsion, advanced propulsion concepts, solar sails.
Principles of propulsion in space. Thrust and specific impulse. Tsiolkovsky's equation. Velocity losses.
Comparison of chemical propulsion and electric propulsion. Optimal specific impulse.
Hohmann transfer. Escape and capture maneuvers. Interplanetary transfers. Low-thrust trajectories and Edelbaum approximation.
Review of basic concepts of electromagnetism and ionization. Definition of plasma. Particle collisions: classification and cross section.
Scalar conductivity and Hall parameter; particle motion in varying electromagnetic fields.
Electrothermal propulsion: losses and propellants. Resistojects. Arcjects.
Electrostatic propulsion: ideal efficiency and ionization. Acceleration: Child's law and bidimensional effects, acceleration/deceleration. Neutralization. Ion thrusters, FEEP, and colloid thrusters.
Hall effect thrusters.
Electromagnetic propulsion: magnetogasdynamic equations. Pumping and blowing. Self-field and applied-field MPD thrusters. VASIMR.
Unsteady electromagnetic propulsion: pulse plasma thrusters.
Power sources.
Nuclear propulsion, advanced propulsion concepts, solar sails.
In addition to frontal lessons, numerical exercises (optimal specific impulse, low.thrust trajectories, performance of electric thrusters) will be carried out.
In addition to lectures, numerical exercises on optimal specific impulse, low-thrust trajectories, the performance of electrothermal thrusters, and the performance of electric thrusters will be carried out.
R. G. Jahn, Physics of Electric Propulsion, First edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1968.
L. Casalino: course slides.
R. G. Jahn, Physics of Electric Propulsion, First edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1968.
L. Casalino: course slides.
Slides; Video lezioni dell’anno corrente;
Lecture slides; Video lectures (current year);
E' possibile sostenere l?esame in anticipo rispetto all?acquisizione della frequenza
You can take this exam before attending the course
Modalita di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;
Exam: Compulsory oral exam;
...
Oral exam (30-40 minutes). The students should answer to 2-3 questions, developed with theoretical analysis and simple calculations, to assess the knowledge of characteristics, operational principles, performance of space thrusters and the characteristics of classical orbital maneuvers.
Max mark: 30 e lode
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Compulsory oral exam;
Oral exam (30–40 minutes). Students are expected to answer 2-3 questions involving theoretical analysis and simple calculations. The exam assesses their knowledge of the characteristics, operating principles, and performance of space thrusters, as well as the characteristics of classical orbital maneuvers.
Maximum grade: 30 cum laude
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.