NASA Glenn Research Center Space Environment and Experiments Branch
Ion
Thruster Isolator/Insulator Test Facility
Description:
32 inch length X 14 inch diameter bell jar.
Vacuum operation to 10-7-torr.
EP (Electric Propulsion) component testing facility.
Features:
4 Quartz halogen lamps for optional heating of test
article to 600 Celsius.
High voltage power supply delivers up to 20 kV.
Plasma ashing system for oxidizing facility contamination.
Closed loop gas delivery system with upstream and
downstream flow control.
Research Projects:
Electric Propulsion Cathode Life testing.
Ion thruster propellant isolator electrical life testing.
Jupiter Icy Moon Orbitor isolator / insulator leakage
current research.
Potential Uses:
This facility is well-suited for testing of small engine components
under high voltage and high vacuum. It can also be used to oxidize
hydrocarbon contamination on small test articles.
Currently, the facility is configured for monitoring leakage current
(down to nanoamps) of insulating materials and propellant isolators and
is capable of providing up to 20 kV of applied voltage to the test
article
under temperatures ranging from room temperature to 600 Celsius. The
optional
closed loop gas flow system is configured for xenon operation.
Both the
flow rate and upstream & downstream test article pressures are
adjustable.
The adjustable test rig can accommodate test article sizes up to 7
inches in diameter and 7 inches long. Modifications for other
sizes are possible.
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