The charge exchange plasma generated by an ion thruster was investigated experimentally using both 5 cm and 15 cm thrusters. Results are shown for wide ranges of radial distance from the thruster and angle from the beam direction. Considerations of test environment, as well as distance from the thruster, indicate that a valid simulation of a thruster on a spacecraft was obtained. A calculation procedure and a sample calculation of charge exchange plasma density and saturation electron current density are included.


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    Title :

    Charge-exchange plasma generated by an ion thruster


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1977-12-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Ion thruster charge-exchange plasma flow

    Carruth, M. R., Jr. / Gabriel, S. B. / Kitamura, S. | NTRS | 1982



    Ion Thruster Charge-Exchange Plasma Flow

    M.R. Carruth S.B. Gabriel / S. Kitamura | AIAA | 1982