LENA (Linear Electromagnetic Nonstationary Accelerator)

2023: Start of fire tests

At the end of May 2023, the Plasma Rocket Engine Laboratory of the LaPlaza Institute of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI announced the start of fire tests of the LENA plasma rocket engine (Linear Electromagnetic Monetary Accelerator). It is designed for use in microsatellites weighing 10-100 kg.

According to the press service of NRNU MEPhI, compared to the previous development of the laboratory - the VERA propulsion system intended for nanosatellites - LENA should have an order of magnitude higher power (several tens of watts versus several watts), thrust and stock of the working body, as well as an increased specific impulse. From other engines of this type - ablative pulsed plasma engines of rail geometry - the new engine differs in the presence of a magnetic system. By the end of May 2023, work is underway to optimize it, several options for magnetic configuration have already been tested, the university said.

LENA Plasma Rocket Motor

Plasma engines also have promise for expeditions to the far corners of the solar system, especially when combined with nuclear power plants. Therefore, specialists from all leading space powers are engaged in their development.

Plasma engines, thanks to their stable thrust, allow satellites to maneuver in orbit for quite a long time. And it is they who bring aircraft off it when the life cycle of satellites ends. Thus, plasma engines allow you not to increase the amount of space debris around the Earth.

By May 2023 OKB Fakel , it is included in Roskosmos("") under the scientific supervision of the Research Center "" Kurchatov Institute also develops an electrodeless high-power plasma rocket engine.

It will need a nuclear power source. Its tasks will include interplanetary flights, and in the future - flights to the edge of the solar system, "explained Gennady Abramenkov, director of the Fakel Design Bureau.[1]

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