RF Cathode for Air Breathing Electric Propulsion Space Vehicles in VLEO

There are significant benefits to flying Earth Observation (EO) and Communication payloads in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), however maintaining such a low orbit requires a specialized propulsion system. Viridian is developing such a system – Air Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP). We recently demonstrated the first prototype of our air-scoop and an oxygen-compatible Hall thruster. However, the Hall thruster will require an oxygen-resistant cathode for extended operation. We propose to develop a radiofrequency (RF) cathode for the Hall thruster since such cathodes can operate in oxygen environment.