The rapid development of space exploration has
necessitated propulsion systems that are efficient enough to
handle long-duration missions, deep space travel, and delicate
in-space maneuvering. Conventional chemical propulsion,
though good for launch, has poor fuel efficiency and short
operational life. This project investigates plasma-based
propulsion, primarily the ion thruster, because of its high
specific impulse and steady low-thrust capability. The goal is to
design a streamlined plasma propulsion system from the
electrostatic acceleration paradigm. The focus is on basic ion
acceleration mechanisms, charge separation, and a low-cost and
scalable design with available materials. The resulting prototype
exhibits significant plasma propulsion characteristics and serves
as the basis for continued research. Applications are
nanosatellites and CubeSats. Future activities will focus on
increasing performance through combined power systems and
magnetic confinement to offer more efficient and controllable
thrust. This study provides an early but promising step toward
more sustainable and accurate space propulsion technology.