iskuiluppulssilähde

An iskuiluppulähde, often translated as a pulsed plasma thruster (PPT), is a type of electric propulsion system used for spacecraft. It operates by using an electrical discharge to ablate a solid propellant, typically a fluorocarbon like Teflon. This discharge ionizes and accelerates the resulting plasma, expelling it through a nozzle to generate thrust.

The fundamental principle involves a capacitor bank that stores electrical energy. When this energy is discharged across a gap between two electrodes, it strikes the solid propellant. The intense energy causes a small amount of the propellant to vaporize and then ionize, forming a plasma. This plasma is then accelerated electromagnetically by the interaction of the electric current with its own magnetic field, or by external magnetic fields, producing a small but continuous thrust.

PPTs are characterized by their low thrust and high specific impulse. This makes them suitable for applications requiring precise attitude control, station-keeping, or small orbital maneuvers on satellites. Their simplicity, reliability, and the use of solid propellant, which is easier to handle and store than liquid or gaseous propellants, are significant advantages. However, the low thrust means they are not efficient for rapid orbital changes or primary propulsion for large spacecraft. The power processing unit is also a key component, managing the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank.