Spacecraft Interactions Studies with a 1 Kw Class Closed-Drift Hall Thruster
Abstract
This final technical report summarizes work performed at the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory (PEPL) to study the interaction of the Closed Drift Hall thruster plume with spacecraft surfaces and systems. Two basic interaction modes were investigated: (1) the influence of the plume on spacecraft surfaces in terms of erosion, contamination, and heating; and (2) the impact of the plume plasma on communication signals. An extensive spatial mapping of plasma and neutral properties to quantify particle and energy transport properties within the plume was completed, as well as a broad survey of signal attenuation and phase shift of L and Ku band radio signals. This work culminated with the development of a Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometer (MBMS) capable of discerning both the mass and energy of Hall thruster plume species, and the ion acoustic wave probe to measure the drift velocity of the plume plasma.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA342572
Entities
People
- Alec D. Gallimore
- Brian E. Gilchrist
- Lyon B. King
- Shawn G. Ohler
Organizations
- University of Michigan