Space Experiment with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC) performed in Spacelab First

Electromagnetic emission experiences using electric propulsion systems

“…10 During flight, the MPD thruster operated at a low duty cycle over a period of 5.6 h. Pulses synchronized with thruster firings (1.5ms) were observed on the AGC signals of the 400 MHz antenna system; however, the AGC signals of the S-band antenna system were not affected by thruster operations. Apparently, discharge current pulses of about 700 A did not seriously impact seven telemetry and five real-time command signals.…”

The evolutionary development of high specific impulse electric thruster technology

“…The pulsed MPD arcjet tested aboard Spacelab-1 in 1983 produced a peak power of about 2 MW during a series of 1 ms pulses (ref. 20). This was the highest peak power plasma source ever flown on a spacecraft which in this case was the USA Shuttle Orbiter.…”