Optimization of a coaxial electron cyclotron resonance plasma thruster with an analytical model

Direct Thrust Measurement of an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Plasma Thruster

“…All the results presented in this paper are obtained with the ECR-PM-V1 permanent magnet model of the ECR plasma thruster, which appears to be less efficient than the coil version presented in previous papers (4.5% versus 16% of total efficiency [15] when both are measured with probes). One of the reasons could be the topology of the magnetic field: the magnetic nozzle is more divergent in coil version than in the permanent magnet one.…”

“…2). The coil version that has been extensively characterized in the previous papers [15] is not appropriate for a direct measurement on a thrust balance due to the weight of the magnetic circuit and the stiffness of the cables used to drive the current. The geometry of the source in the new permanent magnet version (ECR-PM-V1) is similar to the coil version.…”

“…An analytical discharge model of a helicon source [14] has been adapted to the ECR thruster, and has helped to understand the physical mechanisms at play [15]. Experimental parametric studies have shown that the thruster performances are very sensitive to the operating conditions; the mass-flow rate, the injected power and the magnetic field magnitude have a significant effect on the ion energy and the mass efficiency.…”

Effect of Background Pressure on Ion Dynamics in an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Thruster

“…Recent experiments at National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) using a different type of plasma heating, Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR), have shown greatly improved performance compared to previous MN thrusters at similar power levels. ONERA has reported efficiencies as high as 16% at an Isp of 993 seconds when operating at 30 watts absorbed power [4]. ECR is a collisionless heating mechanism in which radiofrequency or microwave power is injected into a plasma at the electron cyclotron frequency.…”

Electrodeless plasma acceleration system using rotating magnetic field method

“…In order to accomplish a longer operating time, which is in proportion to a specific impulse (exhaust velocity divided by gravitational acceleration), and high thrust performance for a next generation space propulsion scheme, some electrodeless plasma thrusters have been proposed and studied on, e.g., Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma thruster, 4 Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), 5 ratio frequency (rf) plasma thruster. 6 In these acceleration schemes, the plasma production and heating are conducted by external rf antennas, employing microwave ECR, Ion Cyclotron Heating (ICH), and a magnetic expansion scheme (so-called a magnetic nozzle).…”