The ignition and optimization of the pulsed micro-cathode triggerless vacuum arc thruster
model are analyzed. To this end a simplified model of the thruster consisting of two …

A vacuum arc thruster is a type of micro-thruster based on pulsed ablative vacuum arc
discharge. A simple inductive energy storage circuit in a vacuum arc thruster is particularly …

The present work provides a detailed analysis of already published reports on the
observation of an anomalous force in a vacuum associated with vacuum sparks in …

A dual-electrode-stage PPT (DESPPT) using solid propellants has been developed with
simple parallel electrodes and a deflected angle of 20°. By setting and testing different …

A meso-scale heat recirculating thrust chamber has been developed for use with methanol,
by utilizing steam/oxygen as an oxidizer. The steam/oxygen mixture serves as a surrogate …

Micro-cathode arc thrusters (μCATs) are space propulsion options suitable for
microspacecraft, and have recently attracted much attention because of their low electrical …

The paper describes an arc electron source for air ionization applications in a self-
neutralizing air-breathing plasma thruster. The arc electron source is an electron source with …

The paper presents an enhanced version of an arc electron source designed for air
ionization applications in a self-neutralizing air-breathing plasma thruster. The arc electron …

This study presents the design, characterization and analysis of a novel propellant feeding
mechanism–based micro cathode arc thruster namely side feeding micro cathode arc …

This dissertation is a compilation of studies of the volatile process that vacuum arcs undergo,
known as breakdown. Breakdown is a transfer of electrons from one electrode to another …