Research on stability of laser-sustained pulsed plasma thruster

Abstract

With the rapid development and widespread application of microsatellites,its on-orbit propulsion technology has attracted much attention.This article focuses on the Laser-sustained pulsed plasma thruster, a new space micropropulsion technology.Start with prototype design and production, and test platform construction, then briefly analyze the principle and characteristics of the technology, and focus on the stability of the technology to carry out test analysis. In the test set up different test conditionssuch as laser ignition energy 22.6mJ, 112.2mJ, 222.4mJ, discharge voltage 2000V, 1500V, 1000V, etc.Evaluate the stability of the prototype from two aspects: quantitative (discharge current, generated element impulse) and qualitative (surface contamination degree of working fluid),and based on the evaluation results, analyze the reasons briefly and put forward suggestions for improvement.to provide a basis for future Laser-sustained pulsed plasma thruster technology research and development and improvement.