Patent ID: 7518085
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: F03H,H05H

Abstract:
1. A pulsed plasma thruster comprising: a power source having an anode output and a cathode output, said power source comprising: a voltage source in series with an inductive energy storage device in series with a switch, said switch having a terminal coupled to said anode output and a terminal coupled to said cathode output; a plasma thruster producing thrust along a central axis, the thruster including: said preferred plasma formation area having a film of conductive material; said power source anode output coupled to said anode electrode and said power source cathode output coupled to said cathode electrode; said inductive energy storage device having a plurality of windings located within an axial extent of said cylindrical cathode outer surface, said windings generating a magnetic field along said central axis; wherein upon initiation of a plasma, said inductor magnetic field interacts with said plasma to reduce a radial plasma ejection angle with respect to said central axis, thereby increasing a central axis component of said plasma thrust.