A 50 cm diameter annular ion engineAn ion engine design is presented which uses an annular geometry as a means of achieving large engine diameters and hence, high thrust levels. Preliminary results are discussed for discharge-only operation of a 50-cm-diameter annular ion engine. Measured operating parameters presented include discharge current and voltage characteristics, discharge chamber ion current distribution, engine body temperatures, plasma flatness parameter effects and total integrated grid ion current.
Document ID
19890059668
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Aston, Graeme (Electric Propulsion Lab., Inc. Lancaster, CA, United States)
Brophy, John R. (Electric Propulsion Laboratory, Inc. Lancaster, CA, United States)