DS1 ion propulsion emissions characterization

Abstract

The Deep Space One mission is demonstrating the long-duration use of an ion propulsion subsystem (IPS). The NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Applications Readiness Project developed the NSTAR Diagnostics Package (NDP) to monitor the effects of the IPS on the spacecraft environment. The NDP measures contamination, plasma characteristics, electric fields, and magnetic fields. This paper describes the different electrostatic and electromagnetic emissions of the ion engine for each of the thrust levels at which the engine has operated in space and in the test chamber. It shows the E and B fields data from the spectrometer and the associated time domain samples. It identifies the unexpected differences between the engine emissions for different thrust levels. It shows the peculiarities of the transitions from one thrust level to another. Also, it shows the differences in the space and ground test emissions. Examples of other spacecraft emissions are shown for comparisons to the ion engine emissions.