The research challenges for electric propulsion technologies are examined in the context of
s-curve development cycles. It is shown that the need for research is driven both by the …

At present, no Cubesat has flown in space featuring propulsion. This was acceptable as long
as CubeSats were flown mostly as university experiments. As CubeSats become of interest …

This report presents ground tests and flight operation results for a miniature ion propulsion
system for microsatellites to show the feasibility of ion thruster applications in small satellites …

THE age of space exploration using self-propelled small spacecraft is approaching. In the
past decade, research and development of small spacecraft have advanced extensively …

This dissertation presents an investigation of the applicability of magnetic shielding to low-
power Hall thrusters as a means to significantly improve operational lifetime. The key life …

Abstract Very low Earth orbits (VLEOs) have been proposed as a beneficial space mission
regime due to their propensity to increase instrument spatial resolution and reduce launch …

Miniature ion thrusters are an attractive option for a wide range of space missions due to
their low power levels and high specific impulse. Thrusters using ring-cusp plasma …

The effects of magnetic field configuration on thrust performance in a miniature microwave
discharge ion thruster were investigated in order to improve thrust performance. First, the …

This paper presents the design and performance testing of the 1-cm Miniature Radio-
Frequency Ion Thruster (MRIT) currently under development at The Pennsylvania State …

Antenna Configuration Effects on Thrust Performance of Miniature Microwave Discharge Ion
Engine Page 1 JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER Vol. 22, No. 4, July–August 2006 …