Computational Study of Hall-Effect Thruster with Ambient Atmospheric Gas as Propellant

1forOand N2 are necessary to produce a thrust of 20 mN to counteract the drag force at an altitude of 250 km. At this altitude, the density of molecules/atoms of ambient atmospheric gas is so rare that the incoming atmosphere flow inside the thruster channel is insufficient to generate the required thrust. Results indicate that a complex system, based on a collector, tank, pump, and compressor, is necessary to reach sufficient pressure inside the thruster channel.