微牛级高精度直流离子推进系统的推力调节特性

To investigate the feasibility of using micro-DC ion thrusters for ultra-precision spacecraft control missions, a micro-newton DC ion thruster is designed and equipped with a carbon nanotube neutralizer. The thrust range and resolution are evaluated at the voltage range of 150~490 V,besides,the noise is also calculated at a thrust level of 5, 25,50 μN. In the mentioned voltage range,the thrust range of the thruster using xenon and argon as propellent is 5. 75~ 50. 83 μN and 5. 93~47. 63 μN respectively,and the maximum thrust noise is 0. 12 μN/ Hz and 0. 05 μN/ Hz. In addition,the performance of the carbon nanotube neutralizer is tested and a maximum extraction current of 1. 22 mA has been achieved,which satisfies the need of 0~37. 37 μN in Xenon and 0~16. 50 μN in Argon. The experimental result shows that this propulsion system can be used in drag-free control,and the use of argon is more beneficial to achieving high-precision and low-noise thrust.