ELECTRIC THRUSTER, METHOD FOR STOPPING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR INCLUDED IN SUCH A THRUSTER, AND SATELLITE COMPRISING SUCH A THRUSTER

摘要

The electric thruster in question comprises at least one electric motor (10), a system for supplying power to said motor (10) comprising a high-pressure tank (1) of ionizable gas, a low-pressure buffer tank (2) connected to the high-pressure tank (1) by a valve (5, 6) and a system of pipelines for conveying the gas from the low-pressure buffer tank (2) to an anode (26) and to a cathode (40) of said motor. The low-pressure buffer tank (2) has an open connection to the motor (10). The thruster comprises means for detecting that the intensity of the discharge current between the anode (26) and the cathode (40) is lower than a threshold value and for cutting said discharge voltage following said detection. Use in a satellite.