QinetiQ T7 ring-cusp ion thruster
QinetiQ's T7 is a technically distinct ring-cusp electron-bombardment gridded-ion design derived from the Kaufman-type T6. The QinetiQ design paper documents a larger diameter, changed magnetic-field and anode geometry, 5-7 kW target power, dual-mode operation, and a high-specific-impulse mode above 4,000 s; the record preserves development status without asserting current production or flight use.
Identity
- Aliases
- T7GIESEPP T7
- Domains
- spaceflight
- Identity Level
- model
- Kind
- electric-thruster
- Name
- QinetiQ T7 ring-cusp ion thruster
- Status
- development
Details
- Description
- QinetiQ's T7 is a technically distinct ring-cusp electron-bombardment gridded-ion design derived from the Kaufman-type T6. The QinetiQ design paper documents a larger diameter, changed magnetic-field and anode geometry, 5-7 kW target power, dual-mode operation, and a high-specific-impulse mode above 4,000 s; the record preserves development status without asserting current production or flight use.
- Electric Specs
- Input Power Kw Max
- 7
- Input Power Kw Min
- 5
- Specific Impulse SMin
- 4,000
- Propellants
- xenon
Links
- Official Url
- https://electricrocket.org/2019/356.pdf
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 15, 2026 at 03:02:21 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 15, 2026 at 03:02:21 UTC
Other
- Sources
- Accessed Date
- 2026-08-14
- Note
- The QinetiQ/Mars Space T7 design paper distinguishes the ring-cusp magnetic field, anode geometry, and larger diameter from T6; it targets 5-7 kW, dual-mode operation, and above 4,000 s in high-specific-impulse mode.
- Publisher
- QinetiQ and Mars Space Ltd
- Title
- T7 Thruster Design and Performance
- Accessed Date
- 2026-08-14
- Note
- An ESA technical study places QinetiQ's T7 work in the ring-cusp successor development path beyond the Kaufman T5/T6 series, supporting the model's hardware boundary without adding unsupported flight or lifecycle claims.
- Publisher
- European Space Agency
- Title
- Carbon Ion Engine Technology - Executive Summary