Design of Compact Hexapole ECR Ion Thruster

Abstract

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-3845.vid Demonstrated a new coaxial ECR thruster - the compact hexapole ECR ion thruster. Using the magnetic field linking method greatly expands the distribution of ECR resonance surfaces in ECR magnetic nozzle thrusters. The discharge chamber outlet will form a magnetic nozzle to spray plasma for thrust. On this basis, a hexapole magnet is added to limit the movement of electrons in the radial direction. This method creates a dense cloud of electrons in the thruster, allowing passing gas molecules to be bombarded with electrons and ionized into ions. The coverage of the ECR resonance surface in the axial and radial directions is 100 % and 94 %, respectively. The mechanism will be used in the ion generators of the ion thrusters. This article will introduce the extension method of ECR resonance surface.