Research and development of high-power high-efficiency hall-type ion engines for space exploration

Abstract

High-power and high-specific-impulse characteristics of Hall thrusters were experimentally studied. Input power and specific impulse reached above 5 kW and 3000 sec, respectively. As a result, the specific impulse and the thrust efficiency were 3202 sec and 61 %, respectively, with 2.8 kW. Discharge current oscillation also increased by raising discharge voltage.