Hall-effect motor in which the temperature of the cathode-heating device is controlled

#The present invention relates to a Hall effect thruster having a discharge channel with an open downstream end, a cathode situated outside the discharge channel, an injector system suitable for injecting atoms of gas into the discharge channel, the injector system being situated at the upstream end of the discharge channel and also forming an anode, and a heater device suitable for heating the cathode.

#A Hall effect thruster is a thruster used for example in the field of space propulsion, since it enables objects to be propelled in the vacuum of space by using a smaller mass of fuel than is possible with fuel-burning engines, and it presents a lifetime that is long, several thousands of hours.

#Since the Hall effect thruster is known, its structure and its operating principle are summarized below briefly.

#The invention can be well understood and its advantages appear better on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the sequence of steps in the method of the invention; and

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view in section of a Hall effect thruster of the invention, showing its general structure.

#The general operation of a Hall effect thruster is described above with reference to FIG. 2.

#Furthermore, in the Hall effect thruster of the invention, the operation of the thruster is optimized so as to heat the cathode 100 only for the length of time needed for starting the thruster, as explained below.

#Thus, the Hall effect thruster includes measurement means 70 for measuring the temperature Td of the heater device 60, and a regulator circuit 80 for regulating the temperature Td of the heater device 60.