The document summarizes the Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) concept. M2P2 uses a magnetic field and plasma injected from a helium source to create an artificial magnetosphere around a spacecraft that interacts with solar wind particles to provide thrust. A prototype M2P2 system could accelerate a 100-200 kg spacecraft to velocities of 50-80 km/s using only 15-30 kg of propellant over 3 months. M2P2 offers potential advantages over conventional chemical rockets and solar sails by providing continuous thrust with less fuel and mass.

1. MINI
MAGNETOSPHERIC
PLASMA
PROPULSION

2. INTRODUCTION
• M2P2- Mini Magnetic Plasma Propulsion.
• Also known as “Plasma Sail"
• Concept proposed by the astrophysicist
Robert Winglee
• High thrust is imparted to the space craft

3. BASIC PRINCIPLE
• Solar sail- Transfer of momentum from solar
wind using a thin film attached to the space
craft called solar sail.
• Solar wind pushes it constantly
• Space vehicles can be moved at similar
speeds

4. BASIC PRINCIPLE -
contd
Solar sail

5. PREDECESSOR OF M2P2
– MAGNETIC SAIL
• A loop of conducting wires create a
magnetic field around a space vehicle
• Magnetic field reflects the charged particles
from the sun (solar wind)
• The momentum impart by reflection provides
thrust to the space craft

6. MINI MAGNETOSPHERIC PLASMA
PROPULSION - MECHANISM
• Advanced form of magnetic sail propulsion
• Solar panel powers a solenoid and
generates a magnetic field
• Helium source injects plasma into magnetic
field.

7. M2P2 MECHANISM - contd
• Plasma is trapped in magnetic field lines.
• Magnetic field expands – plasma grows
• Field lines expands to a outward radius of
18-36 miles around the spacecraft
• Interaction with solar wind increases
tremendously

8. CREATING A MAGNETOSPHERE
Magnetic field + plasma = Strong Solar Wind
Coupling
Plasma
injection
dn wr a o S
i l

9. M2P2 PROTOTYPE
• Main parts :-
Solenoid :
* Used for producing magnetic field
* Encased in stainless steel against
direct exposure to plasma.
Helium plasma source
Gas feed system
* Provide constant gas supply against
plasma leak

10. M2P2 PROTOTYPE
copper housing coil connections

11. ARTISTS IMPRESSION OF A
MINI-MAGNETOSPHERE
DEPLOYED AROUND
SPACECRAFT

12. MODEL
PERFORMANCE
For an 15- 30 kg amount of propellant
the performance is:
•Accelerated spacecraft mass :100-200 kg
•Velocity attained : 50-80 km/s
•Acceleration period : 3 months.

13. COMPARISONS
 Theoretically 10 times faster than space
shuttle (4.3 million miles/day vs. 430,000
miles/day)
 Could overtake Pioneers 10 & 11 and
Voyagers 1 & 2 (launched in the 1970s);
 Will be the first manmade object to
leave solar system

14. ADVANTAGES
Provides constant force with less amount of
fuel
No new technology is used
Lighter and less bulkier than sails
No erosion of components –magnetic
bubbles protects the spacecraft

15. ADVANTAGES - contd
The magnetic bubble self adjusts to
solar wind as the vehicle travels
away from sun
Magnetosphere protects crew from
harmful radiations
Cost efficient

16. LIMITATIONS
• Requires good superconducting wires to
maintain the magnetic field intact.

17. M2P2 IN ACTION

18. THANK YOU
SHEHNA . S
NOORUL ISLAM
UNIVERSITY