Hollow Cathode Thrust Measurements Using a Target
Abstract
The thrust produced by a T6 ion thruster hollow cathode (HC) under various operating conditions has been measured, using a target-based measurement system. Interpretation of the data, in a steady-state device like the HC, is complicated by thermal effects, as the target will deform due to exposure to significant heat fluxes for long times. After taking into account these effects, initial measurements indicate that thrusts of the order of a few mN can be obtained, with argon as a propellant, at values of specific impulse much greater than expected for a device heating the gas to the wall temperature.
- Publication:
-
4th International Spacecraft Propulsion Conference
- Pub Date:
- October 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004ESASP.555E..62G