Empirical Determination of Performance Characteristics for a 1cm Micro Radio-Frequency Ion Propulsion System

Authors

Connor L. Muilenburg, Air Force Institute of Technology
David Liu, Air Force Institute of Technology
Carl R. Hartsfield, Air Force Institute of TechnologyFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-4-2016

Abstract

Performance characterization for the 1cm micro radio-frequency ion propulsion system is experimentally accomplished across the full regime of operating conditions. The thrust and specific impulse at the optimal operating condition is determined experimentally for varying power levels. Additionally, the divergence angle of the plume of the thruster is determined using a Faraday probe to determine beam efficiency. With this information, future space operators can assess the advantages and disadvantages of micro RF ion thrusters for a variety of micro-satellite applications.

Comments

Author note: Connor Muilenburg was an AFIT graduate student at the time of this conference.

This conference paper is published by AIAA and is available by subscription or purchase at the DOI link below.

Conference Session: Plasma Propulsion

DOI

10.2514/6.2016-1944

Source Publication

54th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting

Recommended Citation

Muilenburg, C. L., Liu, D., & Hartsfield, C. R. (2016, January). Empirical Determination of Performance Characteristics for a 1cm Micro Radio-Frequency Ion Propulsion System. 54th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2016-1944