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Performance Evaluation of the Prototype Model NEXT Ion ThrusterThe performance testing results of the first prototype model NEXT ion engine, PM1, are presented. The NEXT program has developed the next generation ion propulsion system to enhance and enable Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship-type NASA missions. The PM1 thruster exhibits operational behavior consistent with its predecessors, the engineering model thrusters, with substantial mass savings, enhanced thermal margins, and design improvements for environmental testing compliance. The dry mass of PM1 is 12.7 kg. Modifications made in the thruster design have resulted in improved performance and operating margins, as anticipated. PM1 beginning-of-life performance satisfies all of the electric propulsion thruster mission-derived technical requirements. It demonstrates a wide range of throttleability by processing input power levels from 0.5 to 6.9 kW. At 6.9 kW, the PM1 thruster demonstrates specific impulse of 4190 s, 237 mN of thrust, and a thrust efficiency of 0.71. The flat beam profile, flatness parameters vary from 0.66 at low-power to 0.88 at full-power, and advanced ion optics reduce localized accelerator grid erosion and increases margins for electron backstreaming, impingement-limited voltage, and screen grid ion transparency. The thruster throughput capability is predicted to exceed 750 kg of xenon, an equivalent of 36,500 hr of continuous operation at the full-power operating condition.
Document ID
20080012739
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Herman, Daniel A. (ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Soulas, George C. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Patterson, Michael J. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 2008
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2008-215029
E-16202
AIAA Paper-2007-5212
Meeting Information
Meeting: 43rd AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: July 8, 2007
End Date: July 11, 2007
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: GESS-2
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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