DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. First Firing of a 100-kW Nested-channel Hall Thruster

Abstract

NHT is a three-channel NHT with a nominal power throttling range from 1 kW to >200 kW. Based on conventional thruster scaling, to the X3 may achieve 15 N of thrust and 4,600 sec of Isp with xenon and krypton propellant, respectively. In this paper we preview the initial operation of the 100-kW class NHT. = peak-to-peak channel discharge current oscillation I sp = specific impulse P = thruster electrical power input T = thrust T/P = thrust to power ratio = Thruster efficiency in converting electrical power to directed kinetic powe