Oliver Hitchens

This research project aims to increase our understanding of novel performance enhancing mechanisms for Electron Cyclotron Resonance microwave plasma thrusters through experimental analysis.

Microwave plasmas are widely used in terrestrial applications but are not often used in the electric propulsion systems of spacecraft. They are generated at a low potential, reducing the plasma’s propensity for erosion, which is the primary limiting factor on lifetime for the majority of electric propulsion systems. The development of terrestrial microwave plasma systems has significantly reduced the cost and size of microwave generators as well as other components. The integration of microwave plasmas in spacecraft propulsion systems therefore has numerous benefits, but a lack of performant propulsion systems that use a microwave generated plasma has stifled academic and commercial interest. Multiple mechanisms for increasing the performance of microwave propulsion systems are being explored and novel experimental campaigns are conducted with the aim of increasing our understanding of these performance enhancing mechanisms.