Ukrainian SPT-20 Hall Effect Thruster : Analysis of the Plume by Optical Emission Spectroscopy

The erosion of the ceramics made of Al 2 O 3 of the SPT20 Hall effect thruster manufactured by the National Aerospace University "KhAI", has been studied by an optical method. The ratio of Al I, Xe I, Xe II emission lines was analysed using actinometry and coronal assumptions. The erosion rate of the ceramics has been evaluated for different operating conditions for the thrusters.