Spacecraft propulsion applications for field emission cathodes

Many small-scale spacecraft propulsion systems under development could benefit from a compatible FE cathode. These thrusters challenge the performance of FE cathodes because of the plasma environment they create could significantly limit the cathode lifetime if it does not have the proper configuration and materials. The thruster current requirements and cathode integration challenges are discussed in this article. Cathode configurations are recommended to improve the cathode and thruster compatibility. Preliminary results are presented from the first successful test of an electric thruster with a Spindt-type FEA cathode neutralizer