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Liquid-metal-ion source development for space propulsion at ARC.

M Tajmar¹, C Scharlemann, A Genovese

¹Space Propulsion & Advanced Concepts, Austrian Research Centers GmbH-ARC, Austria. martin.tajmar@arcs.ac.at

Ultramicroscopy

|December 10, 2008

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Austrian Research Centers developed indium Liquid-Metal-Ion Sources (LMIS) for space propulsion, achieving over 4800 hours of operation. New porous multi-tip designs aim for significantly higher currents for enhanced space thruster performance.

Area of Science:

Spacecraft engineering
Materials science
Plasma physics

Background:

The Austrian Research Centers have extensive experience in developing indium Liquid-Metal-Ion Sources (LMIS).
LMIS technology is crucial for various space applications, including spacecraft charging compensators, Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), and propulsion systems.
High-current and long-term operational stability are critical challenges for LMIS in space propulsion.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the challenges of long-term, high-current operation of LMIS for space propulsion.
To present advancements in LMIS technology, including single-tip and multi-tip designs.
To analyze and model key performance factors like tip erosion and droplet deposition.

Main Methods:

Demonstration of a cluster of single LMIS operating at an average current of 100 μA for over 4800 hours.

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Development of predictive models for tip erosion and droplet deposition.

Design and development of a porous multi-tip LMIS for significantly increased current output (up to several mA).

Main Results:

Successful long-term operation of single LMIS exceeding 4800 hours at 100 μA.
Models suggest potential operational lifetimes of 20,000 hours or more for single LMIS.
Development of a porous multi-tip source capable of achieving significantly higher currents.

Conclusions:

Indium LMIS technology is viable for demanding space propulsion applications.
Further development of multi-tip LMIS is promising for achieving the high-current requirements of space thrusters.
Understanding and mitigating tip erosion and droplet deposition are key to maximizing LMIS lifespan and performance.