Public domain
Pathfinder
From the collection of NASA Image and Video Library. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
An artist's concept of a space based vehicle using the Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS) to generate its thrust to maintain orbit without using a propellant. ProSEDS will obtain thrust as the current flowing through the tether experiences a drag force due to interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. Drag force is coupled mechanically to the stage via the tether, thus lowering the stage's orbital altitude.
NASA Image and Video Library’s own descriptionCredit linePathfinder. NASA/MSFC, 2004-04-15. Public domain. ID: 9906367.
