8-cm Engineering Model Thruster technology - A review of recent developmentsRecent testing of the NASA Lewis Research Center/Hughes 8-cm Engineering Model Thruster (EMT) and Power Processing Unit has centered on two primary areas of investigation: integration of porous-tungsten dispenser-type cathode inserts into the thruster (replacing previous inserts of rolled-tantalum-foil design) and characterization of thruster operation with the new inserts. Characterization testing of the EMT and of the new cathodes has demonstrated acceptable thruster performance and cathode ignition parameters; the only perceived change in thuster performance has been that a small amount of cathode heater power is required to maintain nominal keeper voltages. Thermal modeling of the cathode structures has facilitated design revisions which reduce this power requirement.
Document ID
19800029141
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Williamson, W. S. (Hughes Research Labs. Malibu, CA, United States)
Dulgeroff, C. R. (Hughes Research Labs. Malibu, CA, United States)
Williams, R. L. (Hughes Research Laboratories Malibu, Calif., United States)
Bayless, J. R. (U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Washington, D.C., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1979
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-2103
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference