Archives: Glossary Terms

The energyWe use the angle of incidence, θ, to determine how much solar energy hits a solar panel. This angle lies between a line perpendicular to the cell and the Sun line. More from accelerating charged particlesParts of an atom with electrical charge. Protons are much larger than electrons, reside in an atom’s nucleus, and carry a positivecharge. Electrons orbitThe oval-shaped path that a spacecraft follows. Orbits come in various shapes and sizes, but each one has a purpose: to let the spacecraft do its job. Higher orbits require more propellant to get a spacecraft there. More around the nucleus and carry a negative charge. More in an electric or magnetic field. We use this energyWe use the angle of incidenceWe use the angle of incidence, θ, to determine how much solar energy hits a solar panel. This angle lies between a line perpendicular to the cell and the Sun line. More, θ, to […]

A type of rocketA fluid-dynamics concept that says as low-velocity gases pass into the converging part of a nozzle, they accelerate to the speed of sound at the narrowest section (throat). Then, after they pass through the throat, they expand and accelerate to supersonic speeds. This principle is the basis for creating thrust in a thermodynamic rocket. More that creates thrust by accelerating ions in an electricA type of rocketA fluid-dynamics concept that says as low-velocity gases pass into the converging part of a nozzle, they accelerate to the speed of sound at the narrowest section (throat). Then, after they pass through the throat, they expand and accelerate to supersonic speeds. This principle is the basis for creating thrust in a thermodynamic rocket. More system that heats a propellantA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulseA type of rocket that creates thrust by accelerating ions in an electric or a magnetic field. Their low mass flow rate means their thrust is low, but their high-exit velocity means they are very efficient (high specific impulse). More is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrustA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More is very low. More or a […]