Busek’s BIT-series RF ion thrusters provide long life and very high efficiency. For over 15 years, Busek Co. has been developing next-generation, high-performance electric propulsion systems in the form of gridded radiofrequency (RF) ion thrusters. Currently three sizes of Busek RF ion thruster are available: BIT-1, BIT-3 and BIT-7. The number designation represents the thruster scale as measured by its grid diameter in centimeters. Busek’s RF ion thrusters utilize an inductivelycoupled plasma (ICP) source that eliminates the use of internal hot cathodes, the life-limiting factor in DC ion thrusters. RF ion thrusters are superior to DC ion thrusters in small sizes (<500W class) as there are no internal cathodes on magnetic structures. Grid erosion determines thruster life; estimated life of the RF ion thruster is 20,000 hours. Busek’s thrusters are designed to use xenon as propellant, but are compatible with a wide range of propellant choices, including but not limited to: argon, krypton, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium and iodine. Key advantages include fast start-up and rapid thrust response to input RF power modulation. Busek can also supply a complete PPU solution, including RF generation and amplifier electronics, to couple with the RF ion thrusters. BIT-1 Operating at 14W BIT-3 Operating at 60W Thrust vs. Power Thrust, mN 10 BIT-1 1 BIT-3 BIT-7 BIT-7 Operating at 360W 0.1 0.01 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Total Thruster Power (DC + RF), W w w w . b u s e k . c o m BIT-1 BIT-3 BIT-7 Total Thruster Power* 10 W Ion Beam Current 1.5 mA Propellant Mass Flow (Xe) 4.9 µg/sec Thrust 105 µN Specific Impulse 2250 sec Propellant Utilization 43% Energy Efficiency** 28% Total Thruster Power* 60 W Ion Beam Current 21 mA Propellant Mass Flow (Xe) 42 µg/sec Thrust 1.4 mN Specific Impulse 3500 sec Propellant Utilization 68% Energy Efficiency** 62% Total Thruster Power* 360 W Ion Beam Current 157 mA Propellant Mass Flow (Xe) 0.29 mg/sec Thrust 11 mN Specific Impulse 3500 sec Propellant Utilization 73% Energy Efficiency** 77% *Does not include PPU efficiency or neutralizer consumption ** Defined as Pgrids /(Pgrids + PRF) Busek Co. Inc. 11 Tech Circle, Natick, MA 01760 | 508.655.5565 | [email protected] Copyright 2013, Busek Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. 70008514D