Development of power processing unit for a low-power ablative pulsed plasma thruster

Abstract

Research Institute of Applied Mechanics and Electrodynamics of the Moscow Aviation Institute (RIAME MAI) develops ablative pulsed plasma thrusters with low power consumption for small spacecraft. The paper considers the development of power processing unit (PPU) for such thrusters. PPU under discussion should meet the following requirements: design simplicity, small overall dimensions, ensuring the required power and frequency of thruster operation and high energy efficiency.