Abstract: Provided are various spacecraft propulsion systems, and associated methods of operation. A spacecraft comprises an ion propulsion system and an ion blocker suspended from the spacecraft via one or more electrically insulated tethers. The ion propulsion system is configured to generate a first propulsive force by emitting a charged ion beam in a direction with an ion velocity vector comprising an ion vector component that is perpendicular to a magnetic field of a planet, such as Earth. The magnetic field causes the ion beam to curve toward the ion blocker at a trajectory such that ions within the ion beam are blocked by the ion blocker to generate a second propulsive force on the ion blocker. The ion blocker blocks the ions by contacting or deflecting the ions. The ion blocker is positioned approximately twice the gyroradius of the ion beam trajectory.

Abstract: A payload adapter configured to removably attach to one or more payload bridges. The payload adapter includes a forward open end defined by a forward ring, an aft open end defined by an aft ring, a plurality of truss supports connecting the forward ring and the aft ring to one another, and a plurality of mounting fixtures disposed around a circumference the payload adapter. The mounting fixtures are each configured to releasably attach to a secondary payload bridge.

Abstract: Provided are various spacecraft propulsion systems, and associated methods of operation. A spacecraft comprises an ion propulsion system and an ion blocker suspended from the spacecraft via one or more electrically insulated tethers. The ion propulsion system is configured to generate a first propulsive force by emitting a charged ion beam in a direction with an ion velocity vector comprising an ion vector component that is perpendicular to a magnetic field of a planet, such as Earth. The magnetic field causes the ion beam to curve toward the ion blocker at a trajectory such that ions within the ion beam are blocked by the ion blocker to generate a second propulsive force on the ion blocker. The ion blocker blocks the ions by contacting or deflecting the ions. The ion blocker is positioned approximately twice the gyroradius of the ion beam trajectory.

Abstract: A payload adapter configured to removably attach to one or more payload bridges. The payload adapter includes a forward open end defined by a forward ring, an aft open end defined by an aft ring, a plurality of truss supports connecting the forward ring and the aft ring to one another, and a plurality of mounting fixtures disposed around a circumference the payload adapter. The mounting fixtures are each configured to releasably attach to a secondary payload bridge.

Abstract: A secondary payload bridge for a payload adapter is disclosed and includes a body portion, plurality of payload ports, and a secondary payload port. The plurality of attachment points are connected to the body portion of the secondary payload bridge. The plurality of attachment points are configured to removably attach the secondary payload bridge to the payload adapter to allow for clockable positioning of the secondary payload bridge around a circumference of the payload adapter. The secondary payload port is connected to the body portion. The secondary payload port is configured to releasably attach to a corresponding secondary payload.