Performance and Operating Characteristics of Hall Thruster Cluster Systems

Abstract

  Recently, research and development of hall thruster cluster system as a high-power electric propulsion system for inter-orbit transportation are underway. In the cluster system, the plumes from the heads interfere with each other. Thus, evaluations of the interference are required. In this study, we constructed a Side By Side (SBS) system consisting of two hall thrusters and a hollow cathode. We evaluated the effects of plume interference on propulsion performance and operating characteristics of the SBS system.