STUDY OF MULTI THRUSTER ASSEMBLY OPERATION

Multi thruster assemblies (Clusters) - are considered as a key technology to create powerful electric propulsion systems for perspective space transportation systems. Operation of a such assembly, interaction between thrusters and between exhaust plasma plumes have some specific, which is not well studied yet and requires dedicated research. In this article results of experimental study of three-thruster assembly, based on D-55 anode layer thruster, are presented. Additivity of the thrust and discharge currents of the thruster assembly in a different schemes are studied. Discharge current oscillations of each thruster and oscillations of the summarized current of three thrusters operating from one common power supply are considered. Diagnostics set needed for further complex plasma flux study is discussed.