Low-current Cathode with a BaO Based Thermoemitter. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parakhin, G.A.; Pobbubniy, R.S.; Nesterenko, A.N.; Sinitsin, A.P.
• Is Part Of: Procedia engineering. Volume 185(2017)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Stationary plasma thruster -- Cathode -- Thermoemitter; Engineering -- Congresses; Engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.03.295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-7058

Abstract

Abstract: EDB Fakel has designed and operates a plasma cathode-compensator operating at Xenon flow rate of 0.15-0.20 mg/s at the discharge current of 1.25 A as a part of a 225 W powered SPT-50 stationary plasma thruster. After starting the thruster, the cathode requires no additional warm-up and its thermal mode is sustained by the discharge current. Such thrusters and cathodes are used on "Kanopus" spacecraft. When switching to high-voltage modes with a decreased discharge current the use of LaB6 as an emissive material poses difficulties, as the thermal power emitted on the thermoemitter is not sufficient for operation in a self-sustained mode. Emissive materials based on BaO, which are widely used abroad, are more suitable for discharge currents in the range of 0.4-1.0 A. Such material has been developed and tested as a part of a laboratory model. The results of the experimental test are presented below.