The VHITAL Program to Demonstrate the Performance and Lifetime of a Bismuth-Fueled Very High Isp Hall Thruster

Abstract

In the Very High Isp Thruster with Anode Layer (VHITAL) Program the performance, plume and lifetime capability of the radiatively-cooled two stage, bismuth-fueled VHITAL-160 will be characterized in the U.S. and Russia.The demonstration and further characterization of this technology is motivated by its excellent performance, unique propellant attributes and potentially significant mass and trip time savings over chemical and ion thruster systems for NEP missions.This Russian-developed electric propulsion technology $rill be improved from its previously tested state over 1-5 ycrrs ago with an advanced feed system, novel erosion and plume diagnostics and models of the thruster performance, lifetime and plume interactions with the spacecraft.The VHITAL-160 design documentation has been completed with thermal and structural analysis showing the capability of this thruster to operate in a self-heated mode at 25 and 36 kW.The previously existing TAL-160 was refurbished at TsNllMASH and recently demonstrated operation in a discharge mode and the functionality of the thruster support systems.An all-carbon