Description of an innovative vacuum pumping and energy absorption system for a multi-megawatt electric propulsion test facility

The development of high power magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters is rapidly approaching an impasse to further development: the lack of a facility with adequate vacuum pumping and energy removal capacity to support the resolution of key MPD life and performance issues by FY-93. Several studies have been performed that identify vacuum systems or facility concepts that would alleviate this problem. Although feasible, the proposed vacuum systems require significant research and development; and the proposed facility concepts all require the added development of a gas dynamic diffuser. 8 refs., 4 figs