Thrust Measurements of the Ferroelectric Plasma Thruster

This paper details the calculation and measurement of average thrust in the ferroelectric plasma thruster. The effect of applied voltage on thrust is evaluated. In addition, the construction and calibration of a pulsed thrust stand is presented. Characteristics of the thruster include an average power of 6 W, thrust of 68-87 muN, calculated specific impulse of 1450 s, and a thruster mass of 5.7 g. Additional benefits of the thruster include impulse bits less than 1 nN ldr s, only one power supply needed for operation, and the ability to emit both electrons and ions.