Space Power, Inc.

A I Vasin

V A Petrosov

V I Baranov

Y M Yashnov

E J Britt

L Talaalout

J K Koester

J M Stephan

J F Poussin

A S Koroteev

P A Balaam

A Hall effect plasma accelerator comprises an annular accelerating channel. A radial magnetic field is applied across the channel between magnetic poles of opposite polarity. Instead of these magnetic poles being linked by magnetic material extending around the closed end of the channel so as to form a single magnet, the invention proposes that the magnetic poles be defined on bodies of material which are magnetically separate. This allows the designer to have greater freedom in selecting the dimensions of the thruster in general and of the magnetic system in particular, thereby giving an opportunity to improve thruster efficiency and to manufacture thrusters having a wide variety of different shapes depending on available space.

Hall effect plasma accelerator

In a Hall effect thruster, especially for use in maneuvering satellites, a stream or plume of ions, used to produce the thrust is deflected, by appropriate adjustment of a magnetic field, so as to steer the satellite or other vehicle. The channel, along which the ions are accelerated, is preferably flared outwardly at its open end so as to avoid erosion which would otherwise be caused by the deflection. The adjustment of the magnetic field is preferably achieved by dividing an outer magnetic pole, surrounding the channel, into separate sectors and winding individual electric coils around the sectors. Control of the current through these individual coils is used to make the appropriate adjustments of magnetic field.

Hall effect plasma thruster

A Hall effect plasma accelerator comprises an annular accelerating channel having closed and open ends. A source of magnetic field is positioned behind the closed end of the channel and has an axis extending in the same direction as the axis of the channel. This makes it possible to provide a Hall effect accelerator with an optimum distribution of magnetic field inside the acceleration channel by means of a simpler and less heavy arrangement using a single source of magnetic field, such as a single coil or permanent magnet. In addition it makes possible a reduction in heating of the source of magnetic field.

Closed electron drift hall effect plasma accelerator with all magnetic

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Moscow, Russia

A I Vasin