Electrically Controlled Solid Propulsion: Advances, Challenges, and Future Trends

ABSTRACT Electrically Controlled Solid Propulsion (ECSP) is a revolutionary method of propulsion, which combines the solid propellant high energy density with real time controllability made possible by electrical current. ECSP is a sharp contrast to the traditional solid propellants whose thrust profiles were fixed, with on‐demand ignition, extinguishment, and fine modulation of the thrust. New developments have seen optimized electrochemical salt systems, nanostructured additives and advanced electrode materials, all of which have enhanced ignition reliability, control of burning rate and combustion efficiency. Additionally, multi‐stage decomposition studies and ion transport studies have further broadened the knowledge of the electro thermal coupling mechanisms. They find use in micro‐propulsion units to serve from satellite missions to rocket motors, where programmability increases the safety, flexibility in the missions, and operational requirements. Nonetheless, there are still some problems with ignition delays, long‐term stability, electrode degeneration, and scaling to increased application. The state‐of‐the‐art in ECSP, including technical innovations, outstanding shortcomings, and future direction to a practical implementation in aerospace and defense propulsion are critically examined in this review.