Vacuum arc thrusters, capable of generating milli to micro-Newton thrust, are crucial for the advancement of electric propulsion systems, especially for CubeSats and orbit transfer missions. Traditional designs of these existing micro-cathode -Arc Thrusters face critical issues with lifespan, debris formation, and irregular erosion of electrodes due to the lack of an effective propellant feeding mechanism. Addressing these challenges, researchers at George Washington University have developed a Side-Feeding Micro-Cathode Arc Thruster (SF-μCAT), which introduces a novel propellant feeding approach designed to extend the thruster's operational life and efficiency by up to tenfold.
The SF-μCAT stands out with its cuboidal anode, insulator, and spring-loaded titanium wire cathode, powered by a conventional inductive power processing unit (PPU). This innovative thruster showcases the ability to withstand a higher number of pulses with enhanced efficiency, thanks to its spring-loaded feeding mechanism that utilizes a titanium wire as the cathode, ensuring consistent propellant delivery and uniform electrode erosion. Extensive diagnostic tests such as Faraday cup experiments, Langmuir probe analysis, and direct thrust measurements have validated the SF-μCAT's superior performance. This breakthrough not only holds the promise of increased thruster lifespan and debris reduction but also the potential to revolutionize small satellite propulsion with its simplified yet robust design.
Fig.1: SF-μCAT Assembly with Spring-Based Propellant Feeding Mechanism
Advantages:
Applications: