Helicon and ECR plasma sources for space propulsion: simulation and testing

This paper summarizes experimental activities on an Space Helicon Plasma Thruster (HPT) prototype and modeling developments of both the HPT and the Electron Cyclotron Resonance Thruster (ECRT). The modeling summary is centered on the propagation and energy deposition of electromagnetic waves emission inside the plasma column, and the coupling of that high frequency process with the quasi-steady plasma transport. Simulation results are presented for illustration.