High Specific Impulse Microwave Discharge Ion Engine for Interplanetary Explorer

Abstract

High specific impulse ion propulsion is of concern as primary propulsion system for various interplanetary explorers. A high specific impulse microwave discharge ion engine has been developed in Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) since 2003. The aim of this development is achieving a specific impulse of 10,000sec with an ion acceleration voltage of 15kV. New electro-static grid made of carbon-carbon composite material and various high voltage insulating components such as a DC block and a propellant isolator were developed. The authors fabricated a prototype model of the ion engine, and successfully operated it. The paper describes the outline and the experimental result of demonstration test of the high specific impulse microwave discharge ion engine