TEST TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT OF PULSED PLASMA ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM

Pulsed plasma electric propulsion systemis a kind of electric propulsion system.The electromagnetic field is generated by the discharge of capacitor，charged particles are then accelerated by electromagnetic field to produce thrust.PPT is a promising electric propulsion device for small satellite because of its simple structure，low input power and high specific impulse.Lots of tests need to be carried out from the PPT prototype to the flight products.In this paper，the PPT electric propulsion system tests in UK，USA，Japan and some domestic universities are systematically introduced.The test technology of PPT is discussed from performance test，environmental test and life test respectively.Performance test includes impulse bit measurement，electric parameter measurement，ablation mass measurement and plume diagnostic.environmental test includes mechanical test，thermal vacuum test，EMC test.