Development of a miniature vacuum arc source as a space satellite thruster

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%.