Cathode heaters for ion thrusters
Kamet supplies thermionic cathode heaters for electric propulsion systems used in advanced aerospace applications. These heaters raise the cathode to the required emission temperature (up to approximately 1600 °C) to enable electron emission and initiate plasma discharge.
Electric propulsion systems typically include a neutraliser cathode mounted externally to neutralise the ion beam and prevent spacecraft charging and structural damage. Each thermionic cathode assembly requires a reliable heater to ensure proper ignition and stable 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
In partnership with ARi Industries and Okazaki Manufacturing Company, Kamet develops highly miniaturised cathode heaters for demanding electric propulsion applications. These heaters combine specialised materials and manufacturing technologies to achieve reliable performance in compact designs.
Our cathode heaters are essentially a specialised micro heater 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). The reliability and service life of the cathode heater are therefore important factors in the overall performance and lifetime of the propulsion system.
Why are cathode heaters used in ion thrusters?
are electric propulsion systems used for applications such as satellite station keeping, orbit adjustment and deep-space propulsion. They generate thrust by ionising a propellant and accelerating the resulting ions using electric fields.
Thermionic cathodes play an important role in many electric propulsion systems. During start-up, a cathode heater raises the cathode to the temperature required for electron emission. This helps initiate the plasma discharge. A separate neutraliser cathode may also be used to provide electrons to the outgoing ion beam, preventing electrical charging of the spacecraft.
Mineral insulated heaters are particularly suitable for cathode heating because of their compact dimensions, high-temperature capability and reliable performance in vacuum environments.
Read more about Kamet’s heating solutions for het Aerospace industry.
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Custom solutions & testing
In this highly specialised field, there is seldom one standard solution. Kamet Heating can guide you during the entire process of designing, developing and testing customised cathode heater assemblies. Product quality is supported by full traceability and a wide range of recognised testing and inspection methods that can be performed in-house.These include:
- Burn-in testing
- Dielectric strength testing
- First Article Inspection Report (FAIR)
- Helium leak testing
- Radiographic inspection
- Lead attachment strength (pull testing)
- Visual and mechanical inspection
- Insulation resistance testing
- Mechanical shock testing
- Pyrotechnic shock testing
- Thermal cycling
- Destructive visual 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 supplied more than a thousand cathode heaters to aerospace customers across Europe. As the European distributor for Okazaki Manufacturing Company and ARi Industries, we combine our own application experience with the manufacturing and engineering expertise of our partners.
This close collaboration enables us to support the development of cathode heaters for increasingly demanding requirements, including higher operating temperatures and extended thermal cycling. Together with our manufacturing partners, we support customers from initial heater design and material selection through to testing and qualification.
The Aerospace brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our mineral insulated heating solutions for aerospace applications
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