Abstract: The performance of a three-channel, 100-kW class nested Hall thruster was evaluated on xenon propellant for total powers up to 102 kW at NASA Glenn Research Center. The thruster demonstrated stable operation in all seven available channel combinations at discharge voltages from 300 V to 500 V and three different current densities. The resulting test matrix contained forty-six unique conditions ranging from 5 to 102 kW total power and 16 to 247 A discharge current. At each operating condition,...

Source: High-Power Performance of a 100-kW Class Nested Hall Thruster