Modeling of a MEMS Pseudospark Microthruster
Abstract
The requirements for satellite station-keeping include low levels of thrust applied intermittently over the lifetime of the satellite and high specific thrust to optimize payload efficiency and high reliability. Advances in MEMS technology have enabled fabrication of arrays of microthrusters. A MEMS pseudospark microthruster in a hollow cathode configuration is studied using the XOOPIC particle-in-cell code. The electron neutralizer operates using a 10 ns pulse of 1 kV in argon at 1-10 Torr. An ion microthruster with accelerator stages is currently under development in a similar parameter regime. The current and beam quality of the transient pulse are characterized.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..DPPNM2B09V