| 摘要 |
<p>[Problem] To provide a gas supply method and system for plasma ignition of an ion engine, whereby a propellant can be reliably ignited and transformed into plasma even in a small ion engine. [Solution] This method is characterized in that plasma ignition is carried out by momentarily supplying a propellant at a higher flow rate when discharge begins than when in a steady state. This system is characterized in that a gas reservoir (20) for collecting the propellant is disposed between a flow restrictor (18) and a thruster valve (19). The flow restrictor (18) controls the flow of the propellant, which is stored in a propellant storage tank (11), supplied to an ion source (3) and a neutralizer (5) from an accumulator (13) in which the propellant is temporarily stored under reduced pressure. The thruster valve (19) allows or prevents the supply of propellant to the ion source (3) and the neutralizer (5).</p> |
