Ion magnetization in strong magnetic fields in an electrostatic–magnetic hybrid thruster

An electrostatic–electromagnetic hybrid thruster equipped with a superconducting magnet generating magnetic fields up to 1.13 T was experimentally characterized, focusing on ion magnetization as a novel phenomenon in electric propulsion. Magnetic fields above 0.65 T reduced ion Larmor radii, decreasing wall losses and improving beam utilization. At lower fields (0.44 T or less), multi-ionization also reduced ion Larmor radii. Thrust efficiency reached nearly 25% at two distinct peaks: 1.13 T and 0.44 T. At 1.13 T, high mass flow rates produced a high thrust-to-power ratio due to low discharge current, limited electron cross field transport, and improved beam utilization. At 0.44 T, low mass flow rates resulted in high-specific impulse, enhanced by multiply charged ions. These results demonstrate the potential for dual-mode operation combining high thrust and high-specific impulse.