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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]

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of pulse frequency on the discharge characteristics of a micro-cathode arc thruster. We used an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) and high-resolution spectrometer to capture the plasma emission process of a micro-cathode arc thruster. The change in the valence ion ratio under different discharge frequencies of the thruster is studied with respect to the change in light intensity. The relationship between the pulse frequency and Ti + ion ratio, cathode emission plasma bunch velocity, and normalized thrust are studied. The spectral and electrical test results demonstrate that the proportion of high-energy ions emitted from the cathode increases with the increase in interpole discharge frequency, and the ion bunch velocity and normalized thrust of the thruster are both improved. • The effect of pulse frequency on the discharge characteristics of the thruster is studied. • The electrical and spectroscopic diagnosis results of the micro-cathode arc thruster are given. • The change of pulse frequency will affect the arc background pressure and thus affect the arc concentration. • The increase in arc concentration leads to an increase in the proportion of high-energy ions emitted by the cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]