ECRA thruster advances: 30W and 200W prototypes latest performances

Abstract The H2020 MINOTOR project focused on the study and optimization of ECRA thruster, an electric propulsion system for satellites. First, a 30 W prototype this Electron Cyclotron Resonance Thruster (ECRT) is optimized. Then, 200 design based these findings. performances both prototypes were assessed at two different facilities: ONERA in France Justus Liebig University Germany. Significant improvement thrusters with decrease background pressure presented. Total thrust efficiencies as high 50% are measured JLU, well erosion lifetime assessment. stability thruster constant point operation was one hundred hours operation.