Innovation in the development of plasma propulsion devices in Israel

14th High-Tech Plasma Processes Conference

Lev, Dan R.^1

Space Propulsion Systems Dept., Rafael, Haifa

3102102, Israel^1

关键词: Cathode characterization;    Development approach;    Development process;    Hollow cathodes;    Innovative approaches;    Low currents;    Operational range;    Plasma propulsion;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/825/1/012008/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1742-6596/825/1/012008

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

In this paper we review plasma propulsion development approach which focuses on innovation. We then bring the example of the state of Israel in general, and Rafael in particular, and show how it has adopted an innovative approach to develop a low power Hall thruster and a low current cathode. To present one special test-case of innovation we elaborate upon the development process of a heaterless hollow cathode that was developed at Rafael. In particular, by presenting the cathode characterization and wear test results we demonstrate that the heaterless cathode developed has a sufficiently wide operational range and may operate continuously for 1,500 hours without any measurable degradation in performance.