Object Details
- Manufacturer
- Electro-Optical Systems, Inc.
- Summary
- This is a cesium ion engine developed by the Electro-Optical Systems, Inc. as an experimental high-energy thruster for spacecraft. Ion engines produce extremely low thrusts over long periods of time, using electrically charged particles ejected out of the rear as a stream to provide thrust. This engine was successfully tested twice in space in flights of Air Force Blue Scout missiles in October and December 1964.
- During the flights, each engine, weighing about five pounds, was carried to a maximum altitude of 1,200 nautical miles and produced thrusts of about .002 pounds (0.009 kilograms) for over two hours.
- This engine was donated to the Smithsonian by Electro-Optical Systems in 1965.
- Credit Line
- Ellectro-Optical Systems, Inc.
- 1964
- Inventory Number
- A19650290000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
- Materials
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Plastic
- Gold Plating
- Cadmium Plating
- Steel
- Copper Alloy
- Dimensions
- 3-D (Approximate, Diameter x Depth): 39.4 × 58.4cm (15 1/2 × 23 in.)
- Storage (Wooden Crate): 105.4 × 125.7 × 157.5cm, 177.8kg (41 1/2 × 49 1/2 × 62 in., 392lb.)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19650290000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9d5b15861-7a77-409e-a8f5-18b4b0dc548b
