Hybrid Space Propulsion: The Technology Enabling Agile Small Satellites and Deep-Space Missions

Introduction: From Propulsion Tradeoff to Space Mobility For decades, spacecraft propulsion has been governed by a fundamental compromise. Chemical propulsion provides the thrust needed for rapid orbital maneuvers, insertion and avoidance, but consumes propellant quickly. Electric propulsion offers extraordinary propellant efficiency and high specific impulse, yet produces relatively small amounts of thrust and therefore requires…