Small spacecraft missions for planetary science require propulsive maneuvers that are beyond the capabilities of typical commercial spacecraft. These maneuvers include achieving planetary escape velocities and capturing orbits, which require a high velocity change (delta-v). To perform these challenging maneuvers, small spacecraft must have an electric propulsion system that can carry out high-delta-v maneuvers.
The electric propulsion system used in small spacecraft missions must be capable of operating with low power (sub-kilowatt) while still having a high-propellant throughput. This means that the system must be able to use a large total mass of propellant over its lifetime to generate the required impulse to execute the necessary maneuvers. The high-propellant throughput is crucial for achieving the velocity changes needed for planetary escape and orbit capture.
Without an electric propulsion system that meets these requirements, small spacecraft missions for planetary science would be limited in their ability to execute the necessary propulsive maneuvers. By developing and implementing electric propulsion systems with these capabilities, small spacecraft will be able to explore planets and achieve mission objectives that were previously unattainable.
In summary, small spacecraft missions for planetary science require high-delta-v maneuvers such as achieving planetary escape velocities and capturing orbits. To perform these challenging maneuvers, electric propulsion systems with low power (sub-kilowatt) and high-propellant throughput are required. These systems enable small spacecraft to explore planets and achieve mission objectives that were previously unattainable by developing and implementing electric propulsion systems with these capabilities.