An RF Plasma Thruster for Use in Small Satellites

New England Space Works is developing an RF plasma thruster for use in small satellites. The RF plasma thruster is an excellent choice for small satellites because it is compact, low power, and does not require high voltages to operate. Specific impulse can be varied over a range of 1500- 3000 seconds. Electric propulsion is finally entering the spacecraft mainstream. Deep Space 1 was the first spacecraft to use an ion thruster as primary propulsion and electric propulsion is in use for north-south stationkeeping on many communications satellites. Research is active on electric propulsion for small satellites, although limited to date by the low power available. The RF plasma thruster avoids the cathode propellant losses (important at low power) of Hall and ion thrusters and is more efficient than the PPT. In addition, no voltages higher than 28 volts need be supplied to the thruster. A wide range of gas flow is acceptable, so a blowdown propellant feed is possible. A breadboard thruster has been operated over a power range of 5-50 watts.