Plasma Processes in Pulsed Plasma Microthrusters

摘要

This final technical report summarizes research on low-power pulsed Teflon(Trademark) plasma propulsion for satellites. Section I discusses a compact thrust stand used to make thrust and impulse bit measurements. Section II describes experimental measurements on a gasdynamic-type PPT in which measurements of magnetic field, electron number density, electron temperature, ion speed ratio and gas velocity are carried out by magnetic and advanced Langmuir probes. This section also describes thrust and heat-loss measurements. Section III outlines research with an electromagnetic-type PPT, intended to achieve very high specific impulse and efficiency.