Deep space engines are typically designed for long-duration missions and operate in the vacuum of space. Various propulsion systems can be used for deep space missions, including chemical rockets, ion thrusters, solar sails, and nuclear propulsion systems.
To calculate the specific impulse for a specific deep space engine, you would need specific data on thrust, burn time, and the total mass of propellant or reaction mass consumed during the burn. These values can be obtained from engine tests, simulations, or design specifications.
It is defined as the thrust generated per unit of propellant expended and is expressed in seconds.
where,
- is the specific impulse of the rocket engine (in seconds, s)
- F is the Thrust Produced
- ṁ is the mass flow rate of propellant in KG/Sec
- g0 is the acceleration due to gravity