This paper describes a 10,000 hour test of the first engineering model of the 30-cm ion thruster which is expected to form the basis of future prime propulsion systems. This test demonstrated the lifetime capability of such critical components as cathodes, vaporizers, isolators, and optics. The results of the test are described including the conclusions derived from an extensive post-test analysis of the thruster. This test did identify a major life limiting problem - discharge chamber erosion. The modifications which have been incorporated in the 900 series 30-cm ion thrusters to minimize this problem are described.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    A 10,000 hour endurance test of a 700 series 30 cm engineering model thruster


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Electric Propulsion Conference ; 1976 ; Key Biscayne, FL


    Publication date :

    1976-11-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Result of 18,000-hour endurance test on microwave discharge ion thruster engineering model

    Kuninaka, Hitoshi / Funaki, Ikko / Nishiyama, Kazutaka et al. | AIAA | 2000



    Thruster endurance test

    Collett, C. | NTRS | 1976


    5,000-hour endurance test of a 35-cm xenon ion thruster

    Hayakawa, Y. / Kitamura, S. / Yoshida, H. et al. | AIAA | 2001