Abstract
This paper documents the operation of two Hollow Cathode Assemblies designated HCA.001-F and HCA.003-F that operate aboard the International Space Station for the purpose of charge control. The hollow cathodes have been designed and fabricated at NASA Glenn Research Center and are contained in two Plasma Contactor Units developed by Rocketdyne division of the Boeing Company. NASA Glenn’s hollow cathode development program included the manufacture of engineering, qualification, and flight model hollow cathode assemblies as well as qualification and long duration testing. In addition, NASA Glenn monitors the on-orbit data for the flight hollow cathodes. As of April 30, 2007 HCA.001-F has been ignited 72 times and has accumulated 5312 hours of operation, whereas, HCA.003-F has been ignited 64 times and has accumulated 6997 hours of operation. Monitored hollow cathode ignition times and anode voltage magnitudes indicate that they continue to operate nominally.
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