// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Hall Effect Thruster
A Hall Effect Thruster is a type of electric propulsion system that uses electric and magnetic fields to ionize and accelerate a propellant, typically xenon gas, to create thrust. This efficient method is commonly used to maneuver spacecraft in orbit.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Hall Effect Thruster (HET) is an electric propulsion device for spacecraft that accelerates ionized propellant, predominantly xenon, through an electrostatic potential within a quasi-neutral plasma discharge, confined by a radial magnetic field, to generate thrust for orbital maneuvers and station-keeping.
BACKGROUND
In spacecraft propulsion, a Hall-effect thruster is a type of ion thruster in which the propellant is accelerated by an electric field. Based on the discovery by Edwin Hall, Hall-effect thrusters use a magnetic field to limit the electrons' axial motion and then use them to ionize propellant, efficiently accelerate the ions to produce thrust, and neutralize the ions in the plume. The Hall-effect thruster is classed as a moderate specific impulse space propulsion technology and has benefited from considerable theoretical and experimental research since the 1960s.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- HET
- SPT
- Stationary Plasma Thruster
USAGE NOTE
HETs are widely adopted in commercial satellites for station-keeping and orbital transfer due to their high specific impulse and relatively mature technology.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hall Effect Thruster.
A leading aerospace and defense company that develops a range of electric propulsion systems, including Hall effect thrusters, for satellite maneuvering and deep space missions.
Specializes in electric propulsion systems, with a strong focus on advanced Hall effect thrusters for various space applications, from small satellites to large spacecraft.
Through its various divisions, Safran develops and manufactures advanced electric propulsion systems, including PPS® Hall Effect Thrusters for telecommunication satellites and other space missions.
A major European satellite manufacturer that designs and integrates advanced electric propulsion systems, including Hall effect thrusters, for efficient orbit raising and station-keeping.
A leading provider of space technology, known for its satellite manufacturing capabilities and heavy utilization of electric propulsion, including Hall effect thrusters, for its geostationary and LEO platforms.
Develops and utilizes in-house Hall effect thrusters for its Starlink satellite constellation, enabling efficient orbit raising, station-keeping, and deorbiting capabilities.
Integrates and develops electric propulsion systems, including Hall thrusters, for its commercial and government satellite platforms, enhancing mission longevity and performance.
An Italian space company active in developing and producing advanced electric propulsion systems, including Hall Effect Thrusters, for a range of small and medium satellite applications.