High-Power Hall effect Thruster Activity at The University of Southampton

The increasing size and capabilities of spacecraft have underscored highlighted the growing need for very-high-power satellites, necessitating propulsion systems with higher thrust capabilities. This trend is driving the exploration of nuclear fission generators to meet the escalating power requirements, as evidenced by the rapid growth in research and interest in space-based nuclear power plants. Leveraging these developments, the University of Southampton has pioneered the development of high-power Hall effect thruster systems. Furthermore, through comprehensive mission analyses of nuclear electric propulsion missions, significant strides have been made in understanding the feasibility and efficacy of such propulsion systems. Collaborative efforts with the University of Cambridge, supported by the United Kingdom Space Agency's call for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) research, have further this key area of grow target in the UK. The pivotal role of high-power nuclear electric propulsion in enabling future spacecraft missions, with a focus on advancements in technology, mission analyses, and collaborative research efforts. Additionally, at the University of Southampton, a suite of diagnostics tailored for high-power Hall Effect Thruster (HET) systems has been developed. Among these advancements is our variable sensitivity inverted pendulum thrust stand, which has been successfully demonstrated to accurately measure thrust generated by a 10 kW HET weighing over 35 kg. This specialized diagnostic tool represents a significant breakthrough in the precise characterization of high-power HET performance, facilitating enhanced understanding and optimisation of these propulsion systems for future space missions.