Development of an Igniter System and Two-Dimensional Beam Mapping of an ASCENT-Propelled Pulsed Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster

This study describes the electrical and plasma characteristics of a pulsed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster operating on ASCENT propellant. Voltage and current waveforms of the ignition and main discharges are used to explain the physical processes governing both stages of thruster operation. Spatially and temporally-resolved beam current density measurements show plume structure at different discharge voltages. Finally, a preliminary performance characterization of the thruster is presented along with plans for an orbital performance verification.