Abstract: A modular micro-cathode arc thruster for use in satellites. An exemplary satellite has a plurality of stacked modular arc thrusters, each having an external anode, an internal cathode, and an insulator therebetween. The arc thrusters are situated in a housing, wherein the housing has an opening to eject exhausted thrusters. Once an arc thruster is expended, the push rod ejects that arc thruster and the next arc thruster takes its place.

Abstract: A modular micro-cathode arc thruster for use in satellites. An exemplary satellite has a plurality of stacked modular arc thrusters, each having an external anode, an internal cathode, and an insulator therebetween. The arc thrusters are situated in a housing, wherein the housing has an opening to eject exhausted thrusters. Once an arc thruster is expended, the push rod ejects that arc thruster and the next arc thruster takes its place.

Abstract: A satellite thruster increases satellite efficiency. The Linear Actuated ?CAT has a stepper motor to move the ablative electrode forward. A LabVIEW program and Arduino microcontroller are used to analyze the Linear Actuated ?CAT to determine how many steps are required for re-ignition, arc current, and the validity of the feed system. Results from testing show that micro-stepping the stepper motor is an effective way to replenish the cannibalized electrode for propellant.

Abstract: A thruster for a micro-satellite is disclosed. The thruster includes a voltage source, an inductor and a resistor. A switching device is coupled to the inductor and the resistor. The thruster includes an exterior electrode composed of a first propellant, an insulator located coaxially within the exterior electrode and an interior electrode composed of a second propellant located coaxially to the insulator and the exterior electrode. An exterior housing has a proximate end and an opposite distal end with a thrust channel. The exterior housing holds the exterior electrode, the insulator and the interior electrode. The switching device is coupled to either the exterior electrode or the interior electrode. The switching device is switched to pulse voltage from the inductor to create an arc between the exterior electrode and the interior electrode. Either the exterior electrode or the interior electrode may serve as a cathode to generate a plasma jet.

Abstract: A satellite thruster increases satellite efficiency. The Linear Actuated ?CAT has a stepper motor to move the ablative electrode forward. A LabVIEW program and Arduino microcontroller are used to analyze the Linear Actuated ?CAT to determine how many steps are required for re-ignition, arc current, and the validity of the feed system. Results from testing show that micro-stepping the stepper motor is an effective way to replenish the cannibalized electrode for propellant.

Abstract: A thruster for a micro-satellite is disclosed. The thruster includes a voltage source, an inductor and a resistor. A switching device is coupled to the inductor and the resistor. The thruster includes an exterior electrode composed of a first propellant, an insulator located coaxially within the exterior electrode and an interior electrode composed of a second propellant located coaxially to the insulator and the exterior electrode. An exterior housing has a proximate end and an opposite distal end with a thrust channel. The exterior housing holds the exterior electrode, the insulator and the interior electrode. The switching device is coupled to either the exterior electrode or the interior electrode. The switching device is switched to pulse voltage from the inductor to create an arc between the exterior electrode and the interior electrode. Either the exterior electrode or the interior electrode may serve as a cathode to generate a plasma jet.