Development of a prototype load cell based thrust measurement system for 200 mN-class hall thrusters

Abstract

Hall thrusters are electric propulsion systems employed in various space missions for their high thrust-to-power ratio and specific impulse. Accurate thrust measurement of Hall thrusters is essential for estimating key performance indicators such as thrust, specific impulse, and efficiency. This study developed a thrust stand using a load cell to measure the thrust more simply and easily. The sensitivity and uncertainty of the measurement system were estimated through calibration with known weights, and this method was applied to measure the thrust of a 20 mN-class Hall thruster. The results obtained from the load cell were then compared with those measured using a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD).