Performance Measurements and Technology Demonstration of the VASIMR® VX-200

Details Performance Measurements and Technology Demonstration of the VASIMR® VX-200 Performance Measurements and Technology Demonstration of the VASIMR® VX-200

Dec 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufmsm21a1890l&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #SM21A-1890

Physics

[0654] Electromagnetics / Plasmas, [2704] Magnetospheric Physics / Auroral Phenomena, [2772] Magnetospheric Physics / Plasma Waves And Instabilities, [2794] Magnetospheric Physics / Instruments And Techniques

Scientific paper

Recent progress is discussed in the development of an advanced RF electric propulsion engine: the VAriable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) VX-200, a 200 kW flight-technology prototype. This device is the only known industrial application of the physics of the aurora borealis. Results are presented from first stage only and first stage with booster stage experiments that were performed on the VX-200 using between 60 mg/s and 150 mg/s argon propellant. The plasma source is a helicon discharge that uses whistler mode waves near the lower hybrid frequency. The booster stage uses electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave absorption to accelerate the ions. Measurements of ion flux, ion energy, plasma density and potential gradients, and force density profiles taken in the exhaust plume of the VX-200 are made within a 150 cubic meter vacuum chamber and are presented in the context of individual stage and total engine performance. Measurements include detailed pitch angle scans of the accelerated ions and plasma parameter maps of the exhaust plume. An emphasis will be given to our ability to probe wave-particle interactions in the exhaust plume. We are now in a position to conduct more detailed auroral simulation studies and are actively seeking collaborators.

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