타이틀 |
International Space Station Cathode Life Testing Status |
저자 |
Timothy R. Sarver-Verhey and George C. Soulas |
Keyword |
Hollow cathode; Electron emission; Plasma contactor; Spacecraft charging |
URL |
http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/1998/CR-1998-208677.pdf |
보고서번호 |
NASA CR-1998-208677 |
발행년도 |
1998 |
출처 |
NASA Glenn Research Center |
ABSTRACT |
To demonstrate adequate lifetime and performance capabilities of a hollow cathode for use on the International Space Station (ISS) plasma contactor system, life tests of multiple hollow cathode assemblies (HCAs) were initiated at operating conditions simulating on-orbit operation. Three HCAs are presently being tested. These HCAs are operated with a continuous 6 sccm xenon flow rate and 3 A anode current. Emission current requirements are simulated with a square waveform consisting of 50 minutes at a 2.5 A emission current and 40 minutes with no emission current. As of July 1998, these HCAs have accumulated between 11,700 and 14,200 hours. While there have been changes in operating behavior, the three HCAs continue to operate stably within ISS specifications and are expected to demonstrate the required lifetime.
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