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Performance evaluation of a plasma generator and ion optics for air-breathing ion engine

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Abstract

The air-breathing ion engine (ABIE), a concept for atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion for atmospheric drag compensation for satellites in very low earth orbit, is expected to be realized. The ABIE employs electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion engine technology and consists of an intake, an ECR plasma generator, ion optics, and a neutralizer. In the present study, a plasma generator with ion optics was designed and fabricated, and its performance was evaluated. In the ABIE, rarefied air in a vacuum chamber enters a discharge chamber, and it is then ionized by an ECR discharge. Finally, the generated ions are extracted by the ion optics. By measuring the current, we investigated the location of the specific source of ions extracted from the plasma generator. It was found that ions leak from the discharge chamber through apertures for air inflow on the yokes and side shielding panels of the plasma generator. The function of the side panels around the plasma generator is not only to prevent electron inflow but also to prevent ion outflow. We modified the side surface of the plasma generator to a three-layer structure, which suppressed the ion leakage successfully.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Sagamihara, Japan

    Yukai Miya

  2. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Sagamihara, Japan

    Kazutaka Nishiyama

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  1. Yukai Miya
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  2. Kazutaka Nishiyama
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Correspondence to Yukai Miya.

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Miya, Y., Nishiyama, K. Performance evaluation of a plasma generator and ion optics for air-breathing ion engine. CEAS Space J 14, 749–755 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-022-00422-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-022-00422-7

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