A test method for electromagnetic interference caused by plasma plumes

The electric propulsion system has been widely used in geostationary satellites for the special advantages. The localized plasma flow generated by the ion thrusters has to be evaluated, which could impact the communication electromagnetic waves. A test method about amplitude attenuation and time delay is researched. The influence is evaluated by comparing the amplitudes and phases of S21 parameters. The test environment is designed to meet the requirements of the ion thrusters works, electromagnetic wave transmission and outside interference shielding. A kind of test hardware configuration is recommended. And a data processing software is designed to filter the multipath interference. The measurement was performed on an ion thrusters, and the influence of 1∼5GHz was concluded.