2015 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report

Air-Breathing Pulsed Plasma Thruster

Research Project

Project/Area Number	26820370
Research Institution	The University of Tokyo
Principal Investigator	Schoenherr Tony 東京大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (70625491)
Project Period (FY)	2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
Keywords	electric propulsion / air-breathing system / advanced propulsion / discharge / thrust measurement
Outline of Annual Research Achievements	A prototype of an air-breathing pulsed plasma thruster was set up, and all the diagnostics for a basic performance determination established. That includes a high-fidelity measurement of the discharge characteristics (voltage, current) as well as a highly sensitive and well-calibrated thrust balance. Performance measurements of the new thruster with air and standard propellant (PTFE) were performed to find differences in operation and clues for further optimization of the system. General feasibility of the system was proven and performance increased by modifications of the original setup. Indications for further optimization were gathered and new thruster designs derived and built. The eventual system has still potential for further improvement, but showed general feasibility of the proposed technological concept.

(3 results)