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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Electrospray thrusters are an emerging low TRL propulsion technology that performs as the most efficient propulsion system for its size and power output. This propulsion architecture is extremely well suited for small satellite applications since it is does not require ionization chambers or pressurized tanks, allowing the system to be highly scalable. The realization of the full potential of electrospray thrusters will enable a future of cheaper, more capable, and more abundant small satellites in earth's orbit and beyond. The proposed work will strive to improve the TRL of electrospray thrusters by giving crucial insight into key processes that drive the lifetime of electric propulsion technologies, such as ion-neutral collisions, ion-neutral charge exchange, and neutral impacts with critical operating surfaces. These processes are dependent on the flux and energy of neutrals, so it will be necessary to fully characterize the neutral composition in the plume. Since neutrals are not influenced by electric fields, traditional ion beam diagnostic methods will not be of use; novel experimental techniques are required. The neutral density and energy (which has never been measured before) will be measured throughout the plume in-situ by utilizing a slew of instruments (outlined in project narrative). In addition measurements of erosion and thin-film build will be performed post-firing. The summation of this work will be used to accurately predict the lifetime of critical components of this propulsion system, and therefore the lifetime of the system itself. Better understanding of the lifetime limiting effects will lead to improved designs that extends the longevity of the thruster, and thereby further improving the TRL of this extremely promising propulsion technology.
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