Abstract:
A method of designing a plasma thruster with improved thrust efficiency. The method includes providing a thruster body having a discharge chamber with a first opening having an axis centrally located relative thereto; a cathode having a second opening at a first end thereof, the cathode being disposed at a radial position, relative to the axis, outside of the first opening; and an outer pole piece including a magnetic plate, the outer pole piece being adjacent to the first plane and extending radially outward, relative to the axis. At least one electromagnet is disposed adjacent to, and in magnetic communication with, the outer pole piece, a magnetic field being formed adjacent to the thruster body and the outer pole piece and having a separatrix surface therein. The magnetic field is altered such that the separatrix surface is moved radially outward relative to the axis toward the second opening.