Micro-cathode thruster and a method of increasing thrust output for a micro-cathode thruster

摘要

A magnetically enhanced micro-cathode thruster assembly provides long-lasting thrust. The micro-cathode thruster assembly includes a tubular housing, a tubular cathode, an insulator, an anode and a magnetic field. The tubular housing includes an open distal end. The tubular cathode is housed within the housing and includes a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing. The insulator is in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface. The anode is housed within the housing, proximate the open distal end of the housing. The magnetic field is positioned at or about the external cathode-insulator interface and has magnetic field lines with an incidence angle of about 20 to about 30 degrees and preferably about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.

主权项

1. A micro-cathode thruster assembly comprising:
a tubular housing having an open distal end; a tubular cathode housed within the housing, the cathode having a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing; an insulator in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface; an anode housed within the housing and proximate the open distal end of the housing; and a magnetic field having magnetic field lines positioned at the external cathode-insulator interface at an incidence angle of about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.