Electric thruster, a method of stopping an electric engine included in such a thruster, and a satellite including such a thruster

An electric thruster comprising:

• at least one electric engine including an anode, a cathode, and a gas manifold;
• a feed system for the engine, the feed system comprising:
• a high-pressure tank of ionizable gas;
• a low-pressure buffer tank connected to the high-pressure tank by a means for dropping a pressure of the gas;
• at least one valve configured to open, close, or regulate a flow rate of gas between the high-pressure tank and the low-pressure buffer tank;
• and
• a system of pipes for conveying the gas from the low-pressure buffer tank to the engine;
• and
• power electronics configured to deliver or not deliver electric power to the engine by applying or interrupting a discharge voltage between the anode and the cathode;
• wherein the low-pressure buffer tank is in open connection with the gas manifold;
• and
• further comprising means for detecting that a magnitude of the discharge current between the anode and the cathode is less than a threshold value and for interrupting the discharge voltage as a result of making the detection.

A method of controlling an electric engine including an anode, a cathode, and a gas manifold, the engine being included in an electric thruster that includes:

• a feed system for the engine, the feed system including:
• a high-pressure tank of ionizable gas;
• a low-pressure buffer tank connected to the high-pressure tank by means for dropping a pressure of the gas, and in open connection with the engine;
• at least one valve configured to open, close, or regulate a flow rate of gas between the high-pressure tank and the low-pressure buffer tank;
• and
• a system of pipes for conveying the gas from the low-pressure buffer tank to the gas manifold;
• and
• power electronics configured to deliver or not deliver electric power to the engine by applying or interrupting a discharge voltage between the anode and the cathode;
• the method comprising, with the low-pressure buffer tank being in open connection with the anode and with the cathode:
• closing the valve to interrupt the flow of gas between the high-pressure tank and the low-pressure buffer tank;
• detecting a magnitude of the discharge current between the anode and the cathode that is lower than a threshold value;
• and
• switching off the discharge voltage as a result of making the detection.