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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
12:22
Optimization, Test and Diagnostics of Miniaturized Hall Thrusters
Published on: February 16, 2019
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Sub-millinewton thrust stand and wireless power coupler for microwave-powered small satellite thrusters
Benjamin N Wachs1, Benjamin A Jorns1
1Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 49109, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 1, 2022
Summary
A new thrust stand with sub-millinewton resolution accurately measures low-power electric propulsion. This system, featuring a wireless power coupler, enhances testing accuracy for microwave and radio frequency thrusters.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Plasma Physics
- Instrumentation
Background:
- Accurate characterization of low-power electric propulsion thrusters is crucial for space missions.
- Traditional thrust stands face challenges with sensitivity and errors from coaxial cables.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the design and performance of a novel thrust stand for low-power electric propulsion.
- To introduce a wireless microwave power coupler to mitigate testing errors.
Main Methods:
- A counter-weighted hanging pendulum design with optical displacement sensing.
- Passive eddy-current damping and an in situ calibration rig.
- A broadband wireless microwave power coupler (600-2490 MHz).
Main Results:
- Achieved sub-millinewton force resolution (∼10 μN).
- Demonstrated accurate thrust measurements from ∼14 to 600 μN.
- Verified performance with an electron cyclotron resonance magnetic nozzle thruster.
Conclusions:
- The developed thrust stand and wireless coupler significantly improve the accuracy of low-power electric propulsion testing.
- The system offers high sensitivity and reduces common sources of experimental error.
- Enables more reliable characterization of advanced electric propulsion systems.
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