An Experimental Study of an Ion Thruster with Electrodes of an Ion-Extraction System Made of a Fine-Structure Carbon–Carbon Composite

Abstract

This article presents the results of 1000-h tests of a radiofrequency ion thruster (RFIT) with electrodes of an ion-extraction system made of carbon–carbon composite material based on the non-woven carbon frame. The quality of the surface of the thruster IES accelerating electrode being the key element of the RFIT from the lifetime point of view was assessed by visual examination and scanning electron microscopy. The maximum depth of erosion cavity on the accelerating electrode surface was determined. Electrode-surface elemental analysis was performed by the method of electron-probe microanalysis.