MICRO-CATHODE THRUSTER AND A METHOD OF INCREASING THRUST OUTPUT FOR A MICRO-CATHODE THRUSTER

摘要

A magnetically enhanced micro-cathode thruster assembly provides long-lasting thrust. The micro-cathode thruster assembly includes a tubular housing, a tubular cathode, an insulator, an anode and a magnetic field. The tubular housing includes an open distal end. The tubular cathode is housed within the housing and includes a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing. The insulator is in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface. The anode is housed within the housing, proximate the open distal end of the housing. The magnetic field is positioned at or about the external cathode-insulator interface and has magnetic field lines with an incidence angle of about 20 to about 30 degrees and preferably about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.