Cathode heaters for ion thrusters
Kamet is a proud supplier of thermionic cathode heaters for electric propulsion systems in leading edge aerospace industries. Our cathode heaters ensure the correct temperature is reached for the excitation energy required to initiate plasma flow (up to 1600°C). Furthermore, a second neutralizer cathode assembly is usually present on the outside of the spacecraft to neutralize the emitted beam, thus avoiding damage to the external structure. Each of these critically important thermionic cathodes require a heater for operation.
Product summary
- High operating temperature to attain plasma ignition in vacuum
- Made of refractory alloys to withstand environmental challenges
- Efficient and durable enough for thousands of heat cycles
- Performance consistency
- Advanced testing methods available to validate integrity
Cathode heater design, features and properties
Kamet, in partnership with our suppliers ARi Industries and Okazaki, has succeeded in developing prized and highly miniaturized cathode heaters that utilize the latest materials and technological trends.
Our cathode heaters are essentially a specialized microheater coiled around the cathode. The heater is wrapped around the tube to achieve the required temperature. The wire of a cathode heater is made of a high-resistance metal like nichrome.
Kamet’s cathode heaters are designed to withstand the extreme environmental challenges of deep space (temperature, pressure, vacuum), while being durable enough for thousands of heat cycles at the required temperatures for plasma ignition (up to 1600 °C). In fact the lifetime and durability of an ion thruster is for a large part dependent on its cathode heaters.
Why are MI cathode heaters used in ion thrusters?
Ion thrusters are widely applied in solid fuel propulsion systems that are used to adjust satellite trajectories and propel spacecrafts through the solar system. An ion thruster operates by ionizing propellant, resulting in positive ions and negative electrons called plasma. The positively charged plasma is generated in the cathodes, typically with a cathode heater wrapped around it to generate the excitation heat needed to start the plasma flow. The mineral insulated heater is very suitable for these kind of applications because of the high-temperature resistance and long durability in vacuum environments.
Read more about Kamet ‘s heating solutions for het Aerospace industry.
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Kamet’s cathode heaters
In this highly specialized field, there is seldom one standard solution. Kamet Heating can guide you during the entire process of designing, developing and testing customized cathode heater assemblies. The quality of the end product is ensured, partly due to the full traceability but also on account of the wide range of recognized tests that we can perform in house. These include:
- Insulation compaction density
- Burn-in test
- Dielectric strength
- Weight
- First Article Inspection Report
- Final Manufacturing Report
- Vibration
- Acceleration
- Material certificate
- Helium leak
- Radiographic analysis
- Lead attachment strength (pull test)
- Visual & mechanical examination
- Conductor resistance
- Insulation resistance
- Mechanical shock
- Pyrotechnic shock
- Humidity
- Hot firing
- Electrical cycling
- Thermal cycling
- Destructive visual analysis
Example of Ion thruster with cathode tube heater shown
Example of Ion thruster with heater cross section again wrapped around
Why do business with Kamet?
Over the years Kamet has sold over a thousand cathode heaters to Europe’s leading aerospace companies. We are the exclusive distributor for the European market of two leading mineral insulated heating solutions manufacturers: Okazaki Manufacturing Company and ARi Industries.
We bring not only our own extensive experience and knowhow to each project, but we also have the full support and partnership of these manufacturers. Thanks to our joint commitment to innovation, Kamet can bring our clients the certainty that our cathode heaters keep up with the very latest developments. An example would be the way in which ARi are pushing the boundaries for the maximum number of heat cycles as well as raising the cathode heater temperatures from 1400°C to 1600°C. Truly a leading edge manufacturer.
Download the Aerospace brochure
Consult this brochure for more information about our heating & mineral insulated solutions for Aerospace.
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