Krypton ion thruster performancePreliminary data were obtained from a 30 cm ion thruster operating on krypton propellant over the input power range of 0.4-5.5 kW. The data are presented, and compared and contrasted to those obtained with xenon propellant over the same input power envelope. Typical krypton thruster efficiency was 70 percent at a specific impulse of approximately 5000 s, with a maximum demonstrated thrust-to-power ratio of approximately 42 mN/kW at 2090 s specific impulse and 1580 watts input power. Critical thruster performance and component lifetime issues were evaluated. Order-of-magnitude power throttling was demonstrated using a simplified power-throttling strategy.
Document ID
19920066148
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Patterson, Michael J. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Williams, George J., Jr. (Auburn University AL, United States)