Field Emitter Cathodes and Electric Propulsion Systems
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Field Emitter Cathodes and Electric Propulsion Systems Colleen M. Marrese, James E. Polk, Juergen Mueller Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 91100, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Replacing hollow and filament cathodes with field emitter (FE) cathodes could significantly improve the scalability, power, and performance of some meso- and microscale Electric Propulsion (EP) systems. The propulsion system environments and requirements and the challenges in integrating these technologies are discussed to justify the recommended cathode configurations. Required cathode technologies include low work function coatings on Si or Mo Field Emitter Array (FEA) cathodes with arc protection and electrostatic ion filters. INTRODUCTION There is considerable interest now in meso- and microscale electric propulsion systems for microscale and large inflatable spacecraft to support the robotic exploration of the solar system and characterize the near-Earth environment. Three classes of microscale spacecraft have been identified: Class I (10-20 W, 10-20 kg, 0.3-0.4 m), Class II (1 W, 1 kg, 0.1 m), and Class III (
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