For several decades, Hall-effect thrusters (HETs) are being used in several applications,
such as orbiting satellites, deep space missions, etc. This article studies the effect of several …

The research challenges for electric propulsion technologies are examined in the context of
s-curve development cycles. It is shown that the need for research is driven both by the …

Faraday probes are a common plasma diagnostic used to determine the local ion charge
flux of electric propulsion plumes. Standard practices, guidelines, and recommendations are …

I. Introduction all Effect Thrusters (HETs) are being used [1-3] for in-space propulsion
functions on commercial and other Western European, Russian, and United States …

Neutral flow dynamics in Hall thrusters are not often regarded as a critical aspect that
controls thruster operation and discharge channel physics. This dissertation, combined with …

The NASA Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5 kW Technology
Demonstration Unit-1 (TDU-1) Hall thruster has been the subject of extensive technology …

The effect of background neutral density on the ion acceleration region of a magnetic nozzle
thruster is investigated through a combination of theoretical models and experiment. Ion …

Increased background pressure in vacuum chamber test facilities as compared to on-orbit
operation has been shown to influence the operation of electric propulsion devices such as …

We describe the effects of finite pressure in a large vacuum facility on a magnetically
shielded Hall thruster using internally and externally mounted cathodes. A numerical model …

The effects of cathode position on the operation and plume properties of an 8-kW Hall
thruster are discussed. Thruster operation was investigated at operating conditions ranging …