Duration test of an annular colloid thruster.An annular colloid thruster was continuously operated for 1023 hours. Performance was stable with no sparking and negligible drain currents observed. An average thrust of 25.1 micropounds and an average specific impulse of 1160 seconds were obtained at an accelerating voltage of 15 k he thruster exhaust beam was continuously neutralized using electrons and electrostatic vectoring was demonstrated periodically. The only clear trend with time was an increase in specific impulse during the last third of the test period. From these results the thruster lifetime was estimated to be over an order of magnitude greater than the test duration.
Document ID
19720042543
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Perel, J.
Mahoney, J. F.
Daley, H. L. (Xerox Corp. Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1972
Subject Category
Propulsion Systems
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 72-483
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Bethesda, MD
Start Date: April 17, 1972
End Date: April 19, 1972
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics