Small Hall Effect Thruster with 3D Printed Discharge Channel: Design and Thrust Measurements

This paper presents the design and performance of UAH-78AM, a low-power small Hall effect thruster. The goal this work is to assess feasibility using low-cost 3D printing create functioning thrusters, study how can expand space. thruster features printed discharge channel with embedded propellant distributor. Multiple materials were tested including ABS, ULTEM, glazed ceramic. Thrust measurements obtained at NASA Glenn Research Center. Measured thrust ranged from 17.2–30.4 mN over power 280 W 520 an anode ISP range 870–1450 s. has similar conventional thrusters same levels. However, polymer ABS ULTEM have low temperature limits which made sustained operation difficult.