Development of vacuum arc thruster technology through printed architecture and improved arc stability

Abstract

The burgeoning ”new space” era, characterised by increased private sector involvement in space technology, has led to a surge in nanosatellite missions. Ensuring the responsible operation and deorbiting of these small satellites is paramount to mitigating space debris. This thesis presents the development of a novel propulsion system based on Vacuum Arc Thrusters (VATs) to address this challenge.

A key focus of this research is the development of an ALl- printed Propulsion system, ALPS. By leveraging 3D printing techniques such as screen printing and selective laser sintering, ALPS offers significant advantages in terms of cost, mass, and rapid production. The thesis explores the design, fabrication, and characterisation of a breadboard model of ALPS, including the power processing unit and thruster. Screen printed resistors and capacitors were successfully integrated into the power electronics and over 3 million pulses were performed with a printed VAT.

To enhance VAT reliability and lifetime, the thesis investigates the use of battery-driven discharge for triggerless ignition. Extensive testing demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of this approach, including variable pulse duration and improved performance compared to traditional capacitor-driven systems. The study also explores the effects varying the pulse duration (0.5 ms, 1 ms and 2 ms), anode material (copper and stainless steel) and discharge voltage (50 V and 67 V). This data is used to assess breakdown voltage, total charge in the discharge current, and anode-cathode resistance as potential state-of health indicators of a VAT.

Finally, the thesis presents potential applications for VAT technology, such as CubeSat deorbiting, active space debris removal, and propulsion for emerging nanosatellite platforms, like DiskSat/HexSat. These applications showcase the versatility.

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Identifiers

ORCID for James Saletes: orcid.org/0009-0001-3105-3602

ORCID for Minkwan Kim: orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-312X

ORCID for Alexander Wittig: orcid.org/0000-0002-4594-0368

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