Optimized Performance and Efficiency with  FAST Space Corporation’s Superconductor Microwave Plasma Space Propulsion Technology

The FAST Space Corporation Superconductor Microwave Plasma Rocket Engines will set new benchmarks for propulsion efficiency and adaptability. As demonstrated in the analysis attached hereto.

Combining Lithium (Li) with another metal or compound can potentially further increase thrust by enhancing ionization efficiency, energy density, or reactivity. The key was to choose an element or compound that complements lithium’s high specific impulse and low atomic mass while adding to the overall propellant performance.

Top Candidates to Combine with Lithium

1. Hydrogen (H₂):

• Why it Works:
• Hydrogen is the lightest element, producing the highest exhaust velocity when ionized.

• Mixing lithium vapor with hydrogen gas can enhance plasma density and provide additional thrust due to the synergistic ionization.
• Applications:
• Often used in plasma thrusters or hybrid chemical-electric systems.

• The combination of lithium and hydrogen can improve specific impulse while maintaining low molecular weight.

2. Boron (B):

• Why it Works:
• Boron has high energy density and forms stable compounds (e.g., Lithium Borohydride, LiBH₄).

• Borohydrides release significant energy upon decomposition and generate lighter exhaust products.
• Applications:
• Could be used in advanced hybrid chemical-plasma engines.

• Increases thrust by adding energy from boron combustion while leveraging lithium’s ionization.

3. Hydroxylammonium Nitrate (HAN):

• Why it Works:
• HAN is an energetic ionic liquid that decomposes exothermically, releasing heat and gaseous products.

• When combined with lithium vapor, it could enhance plasma density and increase thrust.
• Applications:
• Ideal for hybrid plasma-chemical propulsion systems.

• HAN provides chemical thrust augmentation, while lithium improves specific impulse.

4. Aluminum (Al) Nanoparticles:

• Why it Works:
• Aluminum has one of the highest energy densities among metals.

• When used as nanoparticles, aluminum can react rapidly, releasing thermal energy to ionize lithium further.
• Applications:
• Increases thrust in plasma engines that use lithium as the primary ionized propellant.

• Aluminum nanoparticles enhance plasma heating and density.

5. Cesium (Cs) or Potassium (K):

• Why it Works:
• Cesium and potassium have low ionization energies, making them easy to ionize and mix with lithium in plasma thrusters.

• These elements improve thrust by increasing plasma density and contributing additional ions to the exhaust.
• Applications:
• Works best in plasma engines with strong magnetic field control.

• Suitable for interplanetary propulsion where efficiency and thrust are balanced.

6. Fluorine (F₂):

• Why it Works:
• Fluorine is highly reactive and forms lithium fluoride (LiF), a compound that releases significant energy when ionized.

• Fluorine can increase the ionization efficiency of lithium and improve the overall thrust-to-power ratio.
• Applications:
• Best suited for hybrid plasma-chemical propulsion systems.

• Fluorine should be handled carefully due to its corrosive nature.

7. Magnesium (Mg):

• Why it Works:
• Magnesium has high reactivity and relatively low atomic mass, making it a good addition to lithium for plasma thrusters.

• Combines well with lithium to increase plasma density without significantly increasing molecular weight.
• Applications:
• It enhances thrust in ion or hybrid plasma engines with high magnetic confinement.

8. Ammonia (NH₃):

• Why it Works:
• Ammonia is rich in hydrogen and nitrogen, which produce lightweight byproducts when ionized or combusted.

• Mixing lithium with ammonia creates a high-density plasma, increasing both thrust and specific impulse.
• Applications:
• Common in systems where fuel availability and efficiency are critical.

Combinations

• For Plasma Engines:
• Lithium + Hydrogen: Maximizes exhaust velocity and plasma density.

• Lithium + Cesium or Potassium: Improves ionization and thrust efficiency.

• Lithium + Boron: Adds energy density while maintaining lightweight byproducts.
• For Hybrid Plasma-Chemical Systems:
• Lithium + HAN: Provides a significant energy boost for chemical and plasma thrust.

• Lithium + Aluminum Nanoparticles: Enhances plasma heating and thrust.

• Lithium + Fluorine: Offers exceptional energy release but requires advanced handling.

To model the performance of a thrust chamber with a strong magnetic field using Lithium (Li) and the proposed combinations, we evaluated specific impulse (Isp), thrust, and their enhancements for each propellant pair, factoring in:

• Ionization energy and plasma behavior of the elements/compounds.

• Mass flow rates and effect of increased plasma density from the magnetic field.

• Efficiency of energy transfer to the propellant in the presence of a strong magnetic field.

Steps for Modeling:

Input Parameters:

• Power input: 18 MW

• Magnetic field strength: High, assumed to improve plasma confinement and efficiency.

• Mass flow rate: Varied based on the density of the selected propellants.

Combinations to Evaluate:

• Lithium + Hydrogen (H₂)

• Lithium + Boron (B)

• Lithium + Hydroxylammonium Nitrate (HAN)

• Lithium + Aluminum Nanoparticles

• Lithium + Cesium (Cs)

• Lithium + Fluorine (F₂)

• Lithium + Magnesium (Mg)

• Lithium + Ammonia (NH₃)

Outputs to Calculate:

• Exhaust velocity (vev_eve​): Determines the Isp.

• Specific impulse (Isp): Based on Isp=vegI_{sp} = \frac{v_e}{g}Isp​=gve​​.

• Thrust (TTT): Using T=m˙⋅veT = \dot{m} \cdot v_eT=m˙⋅ve​.