Development of a mili-newton level thrust stand for thrust measurement of electric propulsion systems and UK90 hall effect thruster

Abstract

Since 1960’s, electric propulsion systems have been used on spacecraft for orbital maneuvers and deep space missions. Electric propulsion systems can operate at high specific impulse levels and can deliver very high delta-V in a mission. However, they generate very low thrust. In this study, a thrust stand is developed and built for the thrust measurements of electric thrusters. The thrust stand that is developed is based on inverted pendulum configuration, and can measure thrust forces at mili-Newton levels. Thrust stand design is optimized for high sensitivity at the desired thrust levels. By using the thrust stand, measurements are conducted for the electric propulsion systems that are developed so far in BUSTLab (Bogazici University Space Technologies Laboratory). Also, development process of UK90 Hall thruster is investigated in detail. UK90 Hall thruster is an SPT type Hall thruster with 1500 W power level, which is suitable for orbital maneuvers such as station keeping and orbit transfers. Magnetic and thermal analysis are conducted for Hall thruster and design parameters are optimized for high efficiency. Thermal analyses are conducted for the hollow cathode that is developed at BUSTLab. Also, with the experience gained from the previous radio frequency ion thruster designs, a new design is developed for BURFIT-80 ion thruster. The RF ion thruster is manufactured and tested.