Development of a Miniature Radio-Frequency Ion Engine with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Source for Cube Satellite Propulsion

A miniature ion thruster has the potential for micro-satellite applications and economic deep space exploration. An ion thruster has the advantage to support a long-lasting mission with a high specific impulse. In this study, the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) has been applied as the ion source under the development in radio-frequency (RF) band. This ICP source can provide high-density plasma within a high propellant utilization efficiency and low power consumption. In the preliminary work, SIMION software is employed for simulating the ion thruster's ion optics in the acceleration region as well as the ion beam characteristics. Eventually, the parameters of the ICP ion source and the performance of the ion beam will be diagnosed by the measurement systems.