Dual mode operation of a hydromagnetic plasma thruster to achieve tunable thrust and specific impulse

We report here on initial studies of a pulsed hydromagnetic plasma gun that can operate in either pre-filled or gas-puff mode demand. These modes enable agile and responsive performance through tunable thrust specific impulse. Operation with molecular nitrogen propellant is demonstrated to show the thruster candidate technology for air-harvesting drag compensation very low Earth orbit. A dual operation achieved by leveraging gasdynamics change fill fraction flow collisionality within thruster. This results formation distinct are characterized current-driven waves they allow, namely, magneto-deflagration magneto-detonation, respectively. form basis using performance. Using time-of-flight emission diagnostics characterize near-field velocities, we find relatively dramatic transition occurs between as gas allowed expand thruster, exhaust velocities ranging from 10 55 km/s deflagration detonation regimes, Simulations processed mass bit offer first glimpse into possible trade-offs impulse thrust. An tunability ?22% predicted, differing fractions when operating burst mode.