Abstract

As one kind of electric space propulsion systems, pulsed plasma thrusters have been subject to several decades of study. During this time, experimental studies with ablative solid-propellant pulsed plasma thrusters have revealed many aspects regarding the physical processes involving discharge current, ablation and ionization, and plasma acceleration respectively. Those aspects and a detailed summary of the experimental work leading to a deepened understanding of the processes are the scope of this entry. Finally, remaining challenges for future research are outlined.