Performance testing and evaluation of a high temperature xenon resistojet prototype manufactured by selective laser melting

This paper presents performance testing and evaluation of the AMR-X-0, the first additively manufactured breadboard model resistojet thruster with a novel design of heat exchanger. Testing is performed within the David Fearn Electric Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Southampton. The thruster is characterized at constant flow rates with argon, in both cold gas mode and at a range of electrical power inputs with current regulation. Thrust measurements demonstrate an improvement in ISP of 50% and thus validating the concept and providing insight into the thermal inertia of the AMR-X thruster. The presence of a gas leak caused by a ceramic component is discussed