Development of an Ultra High Current Density Magnetically Shielded Hall Thruster

I propose to develop a new type of high-specific impulse (> 2000 s), ultra-high thrust density (> 100 N/m^2) Hall thruster, to enable crewed missions to cislunar space, Mars, and beyond. High power (> 100 kW) electric propulsion (EP) engines with high thrust density are a key enabler for rapid and fuel-efficient deep space travel. The high power translates to thrust levels necessary for moving larger payloads while the high thrust density corresponds to smaller specific mass (kg/kW) and therefore greater acceleration. The conventional wisdom to date has been that magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters are the only viable candidate for ultra-high thrust density, high power operation. My aim is to show that it is possible to achieve comparable, if not better, thrust density and efficiency at 100 kW than an MPD with a Hall effect thruster. This will be accomplished by increasing the current density by an order of magnitude over state-of-the art Hall thrusters. If successful, my new version of a high power, high thrust density Hall thruster will offer the advantages of MPD thrusters but with extensive heritage that has already been built around flow and power management for Hall thrusters. As an additional benefit, there are theoretical arguments to suggest that high current density operation may enable efficient operation on alternative propellants like argon, krypton, and even condensable metals. Leveraging these types of propellants may decrease both the cost of the mission and the cost of development testing.

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