I have a doubt regarding rocket engines. Now which is the most responsible factor for propulsion using a rocket engine? Thrust / Specific Impulse?
Now, I need a comparison b/w three engines:
- MPDT1 [Magneto Plasma Dynamic Thruster]
- MPDT2
- VASIMR [Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket]
Body Weight [On Earth] = 50k Ton
Launched from Earth, I want this body to reach space and escape the Earth's Gravitational Field
MPDT1 Specifications:
- Propellant: Hydrogen
- Thrust = 88,500 mN
- Specific Impulse = 3,500 s
- Power Required = 3,750 kW
MPDT2 Specifications:
- Propellant: Hydrogen
- Thrust = 26,300 mN
- Specific Impulse = 4,900 s
- Power Required = 1,500 kW
VASIMR Specifications:
- Propellant: Argon
- Thrust = 5,000 mN
- Specific Impulse = 3,000-12,000 s
- Power Required = 200 kW
Source for all this data: Wikipedia- Ion Thruster