Experimental Design of ExB Probe Analysis of Radio-Frequency Ion Thruster

Electric propulsion technology expands current deep space travel capabilities in addition to providing station keeping and attitude adjustments. The production of multiply charged ions within the thruster plasma plume contributes to decreased thruster efficiency and accelerated grid erosion due to the elevated energy state of the ions. This study consisted of an experimental design for plasma plume characterization of Busek's BIT-3 RF Ion Thruster through the determination of the fractional composition of the ion species with an ExB probe. This research aims to validate the probe setup and gather plasma data for potential future investigations. Future research can utilize the experimental setup established in this study to determine the locations at which different ion species form within the plume, the mass constituents present, and appropriate correction factors for thruster efficiency calculations.