Design and evaluation of ion source for satellite charge control
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Authors
Melvin, Michael Edward
Subjects
Satellite charging
Satellite charge control
Differential charging
Lithium ion source
Potassium ion source
Satellite charge control
Differential charging
Lithium ion source
Potassium ion source
Advisors
Olsen, Richard Christopher
Date of Issue
1992-06
Date
June 1992
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis describes the design of a new spacecraft charge control device that incorporates a solid ion source made of lithium or potassium salt impregnated into a porous tungsten plug. The ion source was configured with a reentrant thin-wall heat shield to reduce heat loss and an experimental thermocouple imbedded in the plug to accurately measure emission temperature. The initial design of the change control device included an extraction grid, deceleration grid, and an electron filament source. Experiments were conducted on the charge control device and results were used to modify the design of optimization of current out of the device versus power used. Incrementally testing and modifications resulted in the deceleration grid being removed and the extraction plate's wire mesh being removed to allow a clear path for the ions. With these changes the requirement of 10 microamps was achieved at 13 watts with the potassium ion source.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Physics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
105 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.