MODULE WITH A MULTI-CHANNEL PLASMA PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR A SMALL SPACECRAFT

摘要

The invention relates to electric propulsion systems for small spacecraft. The present system comprises rigid structural elements of a module, at least three gas discharge chambers, at least three antennae, at least three rings made of a dielectric material, a propellant storage and supply system, at least six radial gas inlets, a module comprised of high-frequency generators, at least three communication lines between the high-frequency generators and the antennae, at least six magnetic systems, an onboard power conversion module, a module comprised of high-frequency generators, a system for powering the magnetic systems, a control module, and an electromagnetic shielding system. The technical result is that of eliminating spurious discharges that are harmful to structural elements of the propulsion system and the spacecraft; reducing losses during the injection of power into the plasma in an electromagnetic antenna-plasma communication line; eliminating the effect of electromagnetic radiation on structural elements of the propulsion system and the spacecraft, which causes the spacecraft to spin in space; reducing the mass and volume occupied by the system for cruising operations, correcting and maintaining the orbit of the spacecraft, orienting the spacecraft, manoeuvring between orbits and deorbiting the spacecraft at the end of its active life; and increasing the efficiency of the propulsion system.