The PEGASES Gridded Ion-Ion Thruster Performance and Predictions

The plasma propulsion with electronegative gases (PEGASES) thruster is a gridded ion thruster that accelerates alternately positively and negatively charged ions to provide thrust. Over the last few years, various prototypes have been tested, adequate diagnostics have been developed, and analytical models and simulations are made to better understand and control the physics involved. Here, we present the state-of-the-art in the PEGASES development as of 2013, and discuss its possible future in space.