Electric Thruster Plume Characterization

Abstract

A literature study was conducted during 1997-1998 to review the status quo regarding the electric thrusters plume characterization and the major emphasis was on ion engines of the Kaufman type developed at NASA and finally utilized successfully during the Deep Space 1 (DS 1) Mission 1998-2001. This study completed in 1999 constitutes Part 1 of the present Report. The above study was continued and updated till 2001 with results obtained on different types of thrusters and their mutual comparisons. It was concluded early 2002. This update constitutes the Addendum in Part 2 of the present Report. It represents the typical state-of-the-art through 2001 without claiming to be comprehensive or exhaustive in the literature consulted. An effort has been made to cover representative publications. In view of the increasing success and interest of the Electric Propulsion technology as seen, for example, during Deep Space 1, ARTEMIS, SMART-1 missions, further updates would be definitely desirable and should be taken up as part of related future programs of DLR in space research.