A Miniature Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Thruster Ignition Device

Abstract

The invention provides an ignition device for a miniature electron cyclotron resonance ion thruster, which includes a cylindrical discharge chamber, a magnetic yoke, an antenna, a radioactive sheet, a shielding ring, a screen grid and an acceleration grid, and the magnetic yoke is located at the bottom of the cylindrical discharge chamber , the screen grid and the acceleration grid are fixed on the top of the cylindrical discharge chamber in turn, and the inner magnetic ring and the outer magnetic ring are installed inside the yoke; the center of the yoke is connected to the waveguide, and an antenna is screwed on the end of the waveguide close to the screen grid; Two shielding rings are arranged in parallel on the inner wall surface of the cylindrical discharge chamber between the antenna and the screen grid, and a gap is provided between the two shielding rings, and the two shielding rings are coaxially arranged with the cylindrical discharge chamber. A radioactive sheet is placed in the gap between the two shielding rings; an insulating layer is provided between the screen grid and the acceleration grid. The invention increases the number of electrons in the discharge cavity of the ECR ion thruster, makes them more collide with the neutral gas, increases the plasma density, and makes the ignition of the ECR ion thruster easy.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the field of plasma thrusters, in particular to an ignition device for a miniature electron cyclotron resonance ion thruster. Background technique [0002] In recent years, with the continuous development of deep space exploration, space science research and commercial small satellites, there is an increasing demand for high-precision, wide-range adjustable thrusters. For the main propulsion system and executive The precise orbit control of various types of satellites and the attitude control tasks that require rapid start-up and shutdown processes, etc., the miniature electron cyclotron resonance ion thruster (ECR ion thruster for short) has high specific impulse, no cathode ablation, and low flow rate. The characteristics of plasma generation under microwave power and long life stand out. However, in actual operation, it is found that the ECR ion thruster is difficult to ignite, especially in the case of low flow and low mic...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in actual operation, it is found that the ECR ion thruster is difficult to ignite, especially in the case of low flow and low microwave power. The analysis is due to the lack of "seed" electrons and neutral gas, and the low plasma density generated, which makes it difficult to ignite the ECR thruster.

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