Micro-cathode arc thruster
AssigneeThe George Washington University
InventorsMichael KEIDAR, George TEEL, Samantha A. HURLEY
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A satellite thruster increases satellite efficiency. The Linear Actuated μCAT has a stepper motor to move the ablative electrode forward. A LabVIEW program and Arduino microcontroller are used to analyze the Linear Actuated μCAT to determine how many steps are required for re-ignition, arc current, and the validity of the feed system. Results from testing show that micro-stepping the stepper motor is an effective way to replenish the cannibalized electrode for propellant.
Claims20
An arc thruster comprising:
- an anode;
- a cathode;
- and
- an advancement apparatus attached to the cathode, said advancement apparatus including a motion generator that moves the cathode with respect to the anode.
A method of generating an arc thruster using a cathode, the method comprising:
- providing impulse bits to a cathode and an anode insulated by a dielectric insulator to generate an arc thruster;
- sensing the level of ablation of the cathode;
- activating a stepping motor connected to the cathode through a rod to actuate the cathode to move linearly forward to compensate the ablation upon sensing the level of the cathode is below a pre-determined value.
An arc thruster comprising:
- a frame having a frame proximal end and a frame distal end;
- a thruster head connected to the frame distal end;
- an anode having an anode distal end with an anode distal end face;
- a cathode having a cathode distal end with a cathode distal end face;
- a coupling device movably connected to said cathode;
- a motor connected to the frame proximal end and connected to said coupling device, wherein said motor moves said coupling device with respect to said anode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.