Comparative Analysis of ST-100 and ST-100M Hall Thruster Prototypes for Mission-Specific Applications

This study provides a comparative assessment of the ST-100 Hall-effect thruster and its magnetically shielded counterpart, the ST-100M, designed to enhance longevity by minimizing channel wall erosion.

Erosion of dielectric channel walls remains a critical limitation for thruster operational life. The ST-100M incorporates an optimized magnetic topology, developed using ANSYS Maxwell simulations, to deflect ion flux from the walls. This design significantly reduces erosion but introduces trade-offs, particularly at lower propellant flow rates where reduced plasma density can impact ionization efficiency.

Comparative analysis confirms that the conventionally designed ST-100 is a cost-effective solution for shorter-duration missions. In contrast, the ST-100M, with its extended lifespan, is suited for long-duration applications such as station-keeping or deep-space exploration.

In conclusion, magnetic shielding in the ST-100M effectively mitigates erosion and enhances durability; however, performance optimization at low power is still necessary. The ST-100 remains viable for cost-sensitive missions, while the ST-100M is recommended for operations requiring prolonged service life and sustained performance.