Experimental studies of arcjet thruster in pulsed mode of operation for corrective propulsion systems of small spacecraft

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental studies of an arcjet thruster in pulsed mode of operation on nitrogen with a thrust value of up to 32 mN and energy consumption of up to 30 watts. The pulse mode of operation of the arcjet thruster is provided by the developed power source. At measured values of temperature at the nozzle and pressure in the arc chamber of the engine in a pulsed mode of operation define the basic characteristics of gas-dynamic functions of gas flow. The forecast of the achieved values of the specific impulse when using ammonia as a working fluid is carried out.