Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
The Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS(c)) 25-cm thruster produced by L-3 Communications Electron Technologies, Inc. offers a number of potential benefits for planetary missions, including high efficiency and high Isp over a large power throttling range and availability from an active product line. The thruster is qualified for use on commercial communications satellites, which have requirements differing from those for typical planetary missions. In particular, deep space missions require longer service life over a broad range of throttling conditions. A XIPS(c) discharge cathode assembly is currently undergoing a long duration test to extend operating experience at the maximum power point and at throttled conditions unique to planetary mission applications. A total of 11080 hours have been accumulated at conditions corresponding to the full power engine operating point at 4.2 kWe and an intermediate power point at 2.76 kWe. Minor performance losses and cathode keeper erosion were observed at the full power point, but there were no changes in performance and negligible erosion at the intermediate power point.
Keywords:
Propellants and Fuels; Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration; Spacecraft Propulsion and Power
Type:
AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit; Jul 21, 2008 - Jul 23, 2008; Hartford, CT; United States
Format:
text
Permalink
