Title :
Development of a miniature vacuum arc source as a space satellite thruster
Author :
Schein, Jochen ; Krishnan, Mahadevan ; Polk, James E. ; Ziemer, John
Author_Institution :
Alameda Appl. Sci. Corp., San Leandro, CA, USA
Abstract :
A vacuum arc discharge has been developed to act as a space propulsion device dubbed the vacuum arc thruster (VAT). The plasma accelerated from the cathode spots due to the local pressure gradient achieves velocities of ≈104 m/s which produces the necessary thrust for fine positioning of small satellites. The combination of the so-called triggerless ignition with an inductive energy storage circuit allows the operation of the VAT from power sources with operating voltages <24VDC. Pulsed operation of the arc and adjustability of the pulse power produces a very versatile yet simple thruster system that can operate with efficiencies of ≈10%.
Keywords :
aerospace propulsion; aerospace simulation; artificial satellites; cathodes; inductive energy storage; plasma accelerators; pulsed power supplies; space vehicle power plants; vacuum arcs; 10 percent; 1E4 m/s; cathode spots; fine positioning; inductive energy storage circuit; local pressure gradient; miniature vacuum arc source; operating voltages; plasma acceleration; power sources; pulsed operation; space propulsion device; space satellite thruster; triggerless ignition; vacuum arc discharge; vacuum arc thruster; Acceleration; Arc discharges; Cathodes; Ignition; Plasma accelerators; Plasma devices; Plasma sources; Propulsion; Satellites; Vacuum arcs;
Conference_Titel :
Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 2002. 20th International Symposium on
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-7394-4
DOI :
10.1109/ISDEIV.2002.1027461