Research Progress of Radio Frequency Ion Thruster

Abstract

The principle of radio frequency ion thrusters（RIT），as well as the research history and achievements of micro-newton and milli-Newton RIT at home and abroad in the past 60 years，was explained in detail. The radio frequency ion propulsion system involves a number of key technical challenges. Preliminary solutions to the problems of propellant selection， radio frequency（RF）circuit impedance matching，gas flow control，electrical neutralization control and lifetime were proposed， and the development trend and research direction were put forward combined with the future application of RIT.

Keywords

radio frequency ion thruster / electric propulsion / micro thrust