Thruster Set Components

The Component Browser enables you to equip your spacecraft with one or more thrusters, each with its own orientation, engine model and other characteristics. A thruster set is comprised of an optional Thruster Set User Comment, a Thruster Direction Definition, and a list of thrusters.

You can add, copy, delete, and perform other actions on individual thrusters by right-clicking in the table that lists them or by using the following toolbar buttons:

Button	Name	Function
	New...	Inserts a new thruster with default properties settings.
	Cut	Removes the currently selected thruster from the list and copies it to the clipboard.
	Copy	Makes a copy of the currently selected thruster to the clipboard.
	Paste	Inserts a copy of the thruster that is currently on the clipboard.
	Delete	Deletes the currently selected thruster.
	Duplicate	Creates a copy of the currently selected thruster and adds it to the list.

The following parameters can be defined for each thruster in the set:

Parameter	Description
Name	Enter an identifying name for the structure.
Engine Model	Select and configure an Engine Model for the thruster, using the selection box below the Thruster List.
User Comment	Enter a brief comment describing the thruster, such as "X-Axis Thruster".
Thruster Efficiency	Enter a value in the textbox defining the efficiency of the thruster. The consequences of the value entered here for efficiency depend upon what the user specified in the Finite Maneuver window.
Equivalent On-Time	Enter a percentage figure in the textbox. The equivalent on-time percentage is a factor multiplied by the thrust. The thrust is applied continuously throughout the maneuver and is reduced by the percentage. The mass flow rate is likewise reduced. E.g., for an on-time percentage of 75%, the acceleration on the spacecraft will be reduced by 25%, and only 75% of the fuel will be used.
Thruster Direction	Define a vector in the body frame. Select between: Cartesian -- Enter values for the X, Y, and Z components. Spherical -- enter values for azimuth and elevation. If Acceleration is selected for Thruster Direction Definition, enter the direction that is opposite the direction of the exhaust. Otherwise enter the direction of engine exhaust.

For convenience, two pre-defined thruster configurations are provided: a Single Thruster and a Thruster Set consisting of three thrusters. These may be used or cloned as needed.