Talk:Pulsed inductive thruster
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"Unlike other electromagnetic drives, PIT requires no electrodes (which are susceptible to erosion)..."
At least some ion drives use electrodes which are not "susceptible" to erosion in that that eroding them is just precisely how the reaction mass is supplied, with new mass feeding in. Technically, yes, they are eroding - but the equipment isn't wearing away. Example: a drop of liquid metal at the end of a hollow feeder needle is drawn out into a point by an electrostatic field, then ions emerge from that point. PML.
The current propellant of choice for PIT operation is actually ammonia (NH3). This is due to its high efficiency. However, many gases can and have been used in PIT operation (like Ar) although at lower efficiency than ammonia. -D. Allison
Argon is 1.6% of Mars' atmosphere. Spacecraft whose pulsed inductive thrusters can use Argon could be refuel for say the return journey whilst orbiting Mars. [[1]] Andrew Swallow 00:27, 18 August 2007 (UTC)