RF Gridded Ion Thruster
RF Gridded Ion Thruster
In development
An RF gridded ion propulsion system for satellite maneuvering. We develop the plasma source, ion optics, power processing and operating control around mission-specific performance and operating requirements.
- RF plasma generation
- Gridded ion acceleration
- Integrated power processing
Key development features
- RF plasma generation with a dedicated power generator and impedance matching network.
- Separate control of plasma generation and gridded ion acceleration.
- High voltage power stages for the ion extraction and acceleration electrodes.
- Neutralizer operation and electron-emission control for beam charge balance.
- Propellant storage and feed interfaces coordinated with the operating sequence.
- Commanded startup, stabilization, firing and shutdown states.
- Electrical and thermal telemetry for monitoring propulsion operation.
- Protective responses to abnormal electrical loads, loss of command and overtemperature.
- Firing records and accumulated operating time for mission operations.
- Defined mechanical, thermal, power and data interfaces for the thruster and its electronics.
System architecture
| Element | Development scope |
|---|---|
| Plasma source | Discharge chamber, RF coupling and plasma operating conditions |
| Ion optics | Grid geometry, alignment, electrode supplies and electrical isolation |
| RF power electronics | Generator, matching network, forward/reflected power monitoring and protection |
| High voltage electronics | Regulated electrode supplies, current monitoring and arc-response logic |
| Neutralization | Electron source, emission control and coordination with beam operation |
| Propellant delivery | Storage accommodation, feed control, thermal interfaces and instrumentation |
| Thruster controller | State machine, commands, housekeeping, fault handling and firing records |
| Spacecraft interface | Power input, command and telemetry link, mounting and thermal paths |
Product interfaces
| Interface | Product interface parameters |
|---|---|
| Electrical power | Input bus, startup profile, steady firing demand and peak loads |
| Command and telemetry | Selected CAN or serial interface, operating commands and status reporting |
| Mechanical | Thruster orientation, mounting pattern, thrust-axis alignment and access |
| Thermal | Heat rejection path, allowable mounting temperatures and operating duty cycle |
| Plume and cleanliness | Line of sight, nearby surfaces, sensitive equipment and accommodation constraints |
| Operations | Thruster operating limits, inhibit inputs and fault-recovery behavior |
Packaging and operating constraints
Thruster packaging and electronics configurations are developed against specified volume, input power and thermal limits. Compact and separated electronics options are assessed during product development.
Development and verification
Electrical characterization, representative-load testing, command-sequence testing and propulsion test campaigns connect the electronics with the thruster. Characterization addresses operating stability, thrust, power, thermal behavior and accumulated operation as the development progresses.
Discuss RF ion propulsion.
Talk to our engineers about your orbit, spacecraft resources and maneuvering requirements.
Discuss RF Ion Propulsion