Development of a miniature microwave-multicusp plasma source as an electron neutralizer for space propulsion

Summary form only given. The advent of micro space-probes and nano-satellites has prompted the development of miniature plasma based electric thrusters for space propulsion and orbital manouvering
¹
. Plasma thrusters are capable of providing high specific impulse and greater exhaust velocities with much less fuel load compared to chemical propulsion
²
. Plasma ion thrusters provide the highest specific impulse among the different types of electric thrusters in use today
²
. An electron neutralizer is required in tandem to neutralize the exhaust ion beam and prevent the charging of the space craft. DC and filament based thruster and neutralizer have lifetime limitation, and wave based systems have high input power requirement. Therefore, the development of a wave based plasma source operating at low power is important for modern space applications and is being pursued by various research groups
^3,4
.