Development of a low current dry neutralizer in a Pierce Gun configuration

Gasa, Klevis, Gabriel, Stephen, Daykin-Iliopoulos, Alexander, Bosi, Franco and Guarducci, Francesco (2022) Development of a low current dry neutralizer in a Pierce Gun configuration. Rogers, Eric (ed.) 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA, June 19-23, 2022, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, United States. 19 - 23 Jun 2022.

Abstract

One of the critical aspects of the development of next generation electric propulsion systems for new deep-space small satellites and CubeSats is represented by the neutralization system. Within the framework of the RIT3.5 Sub-Assembly Development, a dedicated Neutraliser, the RIT3.5 NTR, is being designed and developed. The RIT3.5 NTR is based on a Pierce electron gun configuration able to deliver an electron current of 10-50 mA at a max voltage bias <400 V with a power consumption <10 W.
After a review of all main neutralization techniques and cathode technologies currently under development, dry neutralizers have been selected as the best solution for the NTR requirements. An electrostatic modelling parametric analysis, along with a thermal and structural analysis, have been developed to indicate performance trends and for guideline in the design of prototype system. Results of the review and the numerical investigation, as well as an overview of the forthcoming test campaign for the modelling validation, are presented and discussed in detail in the paper.

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Contributors

Author: Klevis Gasa

Editor: Eric Rogers

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