Registration Number
0225U003265,
(0124U001264)
, R & D reports
Title
Vacuum-arc thruster of CubeSat satellites for the organization of an efficient system of data collection and exchange
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Систематичне дослідження раціональних схем та матеріалів
Head
Breus Andrii O, к.т.н.
Registration Date
10-06-2025
Organization
National Aerospace University "Kharkiv Aviation Institute"
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Design and manufacture a prototype of a vacuum-arc thruster for CubeSat-type satellites with an engine thrust in impulse of at least 10 μN, a specific impulse of at least 1000 s, and a volume (together with the electrical power system) of no more than 0.3 U
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A vacuum arc thruster (VAD) design for use in small CubeSat satellites is presented. The proposed design combines advanced materials and nanotechnologies to increase the efficiency and durability of the propulsion system.
The main feature of the engine is a graphite cathode with one-dimensional carbon nanostructures (length 5 μm, diameter 100 nm) grown on its surface with copper nanoparticles (diameter 20 nm) at the ends, which provides a reduction in the work function of electrons, improved arc discharge stability, and reduced cathode erosion.
The anode is made of high-temperature materials (tungsten or molybdenum with TiN coating) or carbon nanocomposites, which minimizes its wear and reduces the weight of the system.
The plasma jet control system includes a main electromagnetic coil located around the engine housing and an additional coil that provides focusing of the ion flux and increases the specific impulse.
The results of modeling and analysis show that the proposed design of the VDD allows to reduce energy consumption, increase the efficiency of using the cathode material and improve the parameters of the plasma jet. This approach opens up new opportunities for using the VDD in promising space missions, in particular for maneuvering satellites, orbit correction and long-duration space missions.
The development has high scientific and practical value and can be applied in the fields of space research, defense, communications and Earth monitoring.
Product Description
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Abashyn Serhii L.
Baranov Oleh O.
Hnytko Oleksandr M.
Kosenko Oksana V.
Kot Nataliia I.
Kuchynskyi Ihor I.
Nazin Volodymyr I.
Ruzaikin Vasyl I.
Seredenko Viktoriia V.
Sysoev Yurii O.
Torosian Olena V.
Shypul Olha V.
Shyrokyi Yurii V.
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2026-06-23
