1. Recent progress in research on micro-cathode arc thrusters.
- Author
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Ji, Tianyuan, Wei, Liqiu, Wu, Fan, Jiang, Wenjia, Li, Wenbo, Ding, Yongjie, Li, Hong, Geng, Jinyue, and Yu, Daren
- Subjects
PROPULSION systems ,VACUUM arcs ,MAGNETIC fields ,PLASMA physics ,THRUST ,MAGNETISM - Abstract
Micro-cathode arc thrusters have been widely used in micro-nanosatellites owing to their high specific impact, long lifetime, repeatable startup, low thrust and high control precision. Micro-cathode arc thrusters and their derivatives are currently being developed and optimized. The micro-cathode arc thruster can generate plasma stably and efficiently, and form a thrust force under a magnetic field with very low power in pulsed operation mode. This paper reviews the last 20 years of literature on micro-cathode arc thrusters, with a focus on papers published in this field in the last 5 years. In light of the development of the micro-cathode arc thruster and the latest research, the direction of future development and the application of key technologies are reviewed. Future micro-cathode arc propulsion systems are expected to exhibit higher reliability, longer lifetimes, higher specific impact, greater integration and higher thrust and to be operated in various modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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