Arcjet rocket

About: Arcjet rocket is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1121 publications have been published within this topic receiving 9687 citations. The topic is also known as: Arcjet.

Fundamentals of Arcjet Thruster Thermophysics.

Abstract: : This final technical report summarizes the research carried out by our group concerned with arcjet plasma propulsion. Section 1 describes the nonequilibrium plasma model and a detailed formulation for kinetic nonequilibrium. Section II describes experimental measurements in which measurements of electron number density, electron temperature, ion speed ratio and gas velocity are carried out by advanced Langmuir probes. Section III outlines our research with a modified 1-2 kW class arcjet, where surface mounted Langmuir probes are used to investigate the constrictor and nozzle current attachment regions.

30 KW Class Arcjet Advanced Technology Transition Development (ATTD)

Abstract: : The Arcjet Advanced Technology Transition Demonstration (ATTD) Program developed and demonstrated a flight qualified 30 kW arcjet propulsion flight unit. Once it successfully completed qualification testing, the flight unit was integrated as the Electric Propulsion Space Experiment (ESEX) flight experiment onto the Air Force Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS). The objectives of the flight unit space test were to measure arcjet plume deposition, electromagnetic interference, thermal radiation, and performance in space. These measurements were chosen to address specific operational issues that are commonly raised for EP systems. There were a total of eight firings conducted over the course of the 60-day mission, for a total duration of 2,023 seconds. All of the demonstration aspects of the experiment were completed successfully and the arcjet, PCU, PFS and overall system operated very well. All of the data analyzed to date indicate the thruster operated nominally, and operated completely independently of the normal operations of the host spacecraft.

Measurements of Magnetic Fields Produced by a 30 kWe Class Arcjet Power Conditioning Unit

Abstract: : The magnetic fields produced by a 30 kWe class Arcjet Power Conditioning Unit were measured using a Gauss meter and an axial magnetic field probe. These tests were conducted at Rocket Research Company in Redmond, WA from 11-12 Jun 1992, using a 30 kWe class Arcjet Power Conditioning Unit (PCU), and associated hardware. The PCU is an engineering model designed by Pacific Electrodynamics for the Electric Propulsion Experiment (ESEX) to be flown on the Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS). Measurements were recorded at various locations around the PCU at ambient conditions and at power levels of 26, 20, 10, and 6.5 kWe. The results indicate the magnetic field presence is at a level, considering the 'worst case' scenario of test, well below any that would result in damaging effects to the spacecraft or to any other experiment.