Giorgio Saccoccia

Helicon Double Layer Thrusters

The Helicon Double Layer Thruster is a new type of magneto-plasma thruster which combines the helicon technology for an efficient coupling of the electrical power to the plasma and a current-free double layer (formed spontaneously in the physical and magnetic nozzle of the thruster) for an optimized acceleration of the plasma ions. A large area, low divergence supersonic ion beam (the source of thrust) is measured in the nozzle for various propellants (xenon, argon and hydrogen). In addition to the scalability in geometry and electrical power, the simplicity, the absence of any moving parts, electrodes, or neutralizer give the HDLT an infinite lifetime.

European electric propulsion activities and programmes

Abstract Electric propulsion in Europe is currently considered a key technology for the new generations of Telecommunication and Scientific satellites. Several initiatives in this field aim to the development and space validation of new electric propulsion systems and to a fast implementation this technology on new spacecraft. European industry and Space Agencies in Europe are setting up collaborations to make more effective and fast the procurement of electric propulsion. The goal of these initiatives is to maintain the competitiveness of the European Industry in the space field, through the availability of qualified and reliable electric propulsion systems. This paper presents an overview of the current European development in this field and the main programmes under preparation, which involve the use of electric propulsion systems.

Operating the Helicon Double Layer Thruster in a Space Simulation Chamber

A prototype of the helicon double layer thruster (HDLT) is designed and manufactured. Initial tests with the thruster mounted on a small vacuum chamber (pumping speed of 700 l ldr s-1) show successful operation in xenon with the formation of the double layer which generates a low divergence ion beam, which is the source of thrust. The prototype is subsequently inserted inside a much larger space simulation chamber (pumping speed of 7000 l ldr s-1). A high-density blue mode is found when increasing the RF power above 380 W, and measurements with a Langmuir probe give an estimated density of 1012 cm-3 in the thruster. An image of the HDLT operating in the high-density blue mode is presented.