The DLR-Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology performs a lifetime qualification test of ArianeGroup’s radio frequency gridded ion thruster RIT2x in the Electric Space Propulsion Test Facility Göttingen – electric thrusters. DLR is partner in this project since 2017 with the test facility, diagnostics development and supply, and facility operation. Being a long-term test the thruster has to be operated 24h over seven days, in order to accumulate several thousand hours of operation. Such a long runtime period is due to the long operating time of the propulsion system in space. An ion engine has to fire for a long time to fulfill a required mission because of its small thrust. That’s why a long lifetime must be confirmed in advance as realistically as possible under full load on ground.
Additionally, DLR delivers diagnostic measurements in the ion beam and performs material erosion evaluation.
