INVESTIGATIONS OF PLASMA PARAMETERS IN DISCHARGE CHAMBER OF LOW-POWER SPT AT HIGH VOLTAGE DISCHARGE

A.V. Loyan, T.A. Maksymenko, N.N. Koshelev

Possibility of low-power stationary plasma thruster (LP SPT) specific impulse increasing at the expense of discharge voltage increasing is described. The methodic of probe measurements inside high-voltage LP SPT is shown. Laboratory model of LP SPT and devise for probe measurements inside thruster are developed. Results of experimental investigations of plasma parameters distributions provided high-level of discharge voltage (more than 300V) are given. Location of ionization and acceleration zones provide discharge voltage and mass flow rate are investigated.

Key words: stationary plasma thruster, specific impulse, probe measurements.