A magnetic reconnection thruster using an oblique current-drive geometry

Current electric propulsion systems typically have high specific impulse but lower thrust compared to conventional thrusters such as chemical rockets. Thus, new thruster concepts are desired in order to bring the thrust level up to par with conventional thrusters to widen the applicability of electric thrusters. Recently, new thruster concepts that utilize magnetic reconnection as the thrust mechanism are gaining attention due to their potential to have both high specific impulse and thrust. Here we present a new mechanism in which magnetic reconnection is driven in an oblique manner so that the induced outflow is preferentially in one direction. Preliminary particle-in-cell simulation are conducted that verifying the core mechanism. Further work should entail incorporation of fuel injection and possibilities of cylindrical geometries, as well as parametric studies for optimization.