Abstract
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISAS/JAXA) successfully developed and operated the microwave discharge ion engines “µ10” onboard Hayabusa asteroid explorer. The µ10 ion engines feature the cathode-less plasma generation in both the ion sources and neutralizers with the results of long life and high reliability in space. Based on the space achievements of µ10 ion engines with 8mN thrust, 3,000sec Isp and 350W consumption power, the µ10HIsp is under development for deep space missions to such as Jupiter and Mercury. The integrated test with the plasma sources, a propellant isolator, a microwave DC block and a high Isp grid system established the thrusting operation with 9,600sec Isp using 15kV acceleration voltage, 25mN thrust, 12mN/kW thrust power ratio, and 2.1kW power consumption.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
