Difference between revisions of "Ion-Powered Space Probe"

From Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m
Line 6: Line 6:
 
This probe requires a launcher, as the ion engine doesn't provide enough thrust even to leave the ground. The [[Z-MAP Satellite]] launcher is capable of bringing this probe into orbit.
 
This probe requires a launcher, as the ion engine doesn't provide enough thrust even to leave the ground. The [[Z-MAP Satellite]] launcher is capable of bringing this probe into orbit.
  
Two [[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]]s, mounted on opposite sides, are its only electric generators. They are buffered by four [[Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Pack]]s. As the generators aboard don't generate enough electricity and some is needed to run the command module, the ion engine can only run up to 20% of its maximum thrust. This limits the maximum force applied by the engine to about 400 N or completely dry an acceleration about 0.72 m/s².
+
Two [[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]]s, mounted on opposite sides, are its only electric generators. They are buffered by four [[Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Pack]]s. As the generators aboard don't generate enough electricity and some is needed to run the command module, the ion engine can only run up to 20% of its maximum thrust. This limits the maximum force applied by the engine to about 400 N or completely dry an acceleration about 0.72 m/s². A possible modification is replacing the PB-NUKs with some solar panels.  
  
 
The probe is equipped with two [[sensor]]s: A [[2HOT Thermometer]] and a [[Double-C Seismic Accelerometer]]. There is enough place on the probe-body for attaching further sensors like the [[GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detector]]s.
 
The probe is equipped with two [[sensor]]s: A [[2HOT Thermometer]] and a [[Double-C Seismic Accelerometer]]. There is enough place on the probe-body for attaching further sensors like the [[GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detector]]s.

Revision as of 16:51, 12 January 2015

The probe as payload on top of the Z-MAP Satellite launcher on the launch pad
The probe in an orbit around Kerbin

The Ion-Powered Space Probe is a stock probe which utilizes the PB-ION Electric Propulsion System ion engine.

This probe requires a launcher, as the ion engine doesn't provide enough thrust even to leave the ground. The Z-MAP Satellite launcher is capable of bringing this probe into orbit.

Two PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, mounted on opposite sides, are its only electric generators. They are buffered by four Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Packs. As the generators aboard don't generate enough electricity and some is needed to run the command module, the ion engine can only run up to 20% of its maximum thrust. This limits the maximum force applied by the engine to about 400 N or completely dry an acceleration about 0.72 m/s². A possible modification is replacing the PB-NUKs with some solar panels.

The probe is equipped with two sensors: A 2HOT Thermometer and a Double-C Seismic Accelerometer. There is enough place on the probe-body for attaching further sensors like the GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detectors.

Description

This small probe may look cute and unimpressive, but once it deploys its long-range antenna, it looks pretty much the same. Its Ion engine is very efficient for a spacecraft this small, so it can go very far indeed, as long as something helps it get into orbit first, of course.

Squad