The LeRC/Hughes 30-cm mercury ion thruster has been developed to a state of maturity such that is has become meaningful to formulate models for describing the performance characteristics of the major subassemblies. The thruster hollow cathode and the ion optics subassemblies have been investigated with this objective and conceptual, semiquantitative models have been formulated for relating lifetime and performance capabilities to design and operating parameters. This paper summarizes the investigations, discusses the factors considered for inclusion in the models, and describes the status of the models.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    30-cm mercury ion thruster technology


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1981-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English