Experimental study of multi-thruster system based on several simultaneously operating electric propulsion thrusters with anode layer

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of thrust performance of a test-bench model of a multi-thruster system based on three electric propulsion thrusters with anode layer and of properties of a plasma plume formed during their simultaneous operation. The paper discusses various implementation schemes of the power supply system for several simultaneously operating electric thrusters. It presents the results of studies into propagation of electromagnetic oscillations over the circuits of a multi-thruster system when various power supply schemes are used. The paper discusses the possibility of operating the test-bench model with a neutralizing cathode moved outside the bulk of the model. The paper provides the results of studies into the stability of the test-bench model operation in case of deviation of parameters in one of its thrusters. The paper describes procedures for measuring local and integral parameters of jets from thrusters with azimuthal electron drift. It presents the results of comparison between the properties of plasma jets from a multi-thruster system and a single thruster within the system. It presents the results of studies into the effect of the conditions during ground testing of this type of electric thrusters on the measured parameters of the plasma jets.