• Anode Layer Hall Thruster
• Argon
• Low-Power
• Magnetic Shielding
• Scaling Methodology

Electric propulsion has gained increasing relevance in space applications due to greater onboard power availability. Among various concepts, Hall thrusters stand out for their high thrust density, with magnetic shielding significantly extending their operational lifetime. A promising variant is the Thruster with Anode Layer (TAL), known for its durability advantages. This work focuses on the design of a low-power, magnetically shielded TAL Hall thruster optimized for argon operation. Two versions of the thruster were developed: a 100W model and a 150W model, the latter aimed at testing the integration of a centrally positioned axisymmetric cathode.
A novel scaling methodology was established based on an improved phenomenological model and validated against experimental data from a dedicated TAL thruster performance database, showing excellent agreement. The thruster geometries were derived from these scaling results. A MATLAB-based optimization tool was implemented to design the magnetic circuits, iterating simulations via finite element analysis to achieve the desired magnetic topologies. Preliminary thermal analyses were also conducted to ensure operational feasibility.
The final designs meet all set requirements, providing a robust foundation for future manufacturing and testing. This study offers valuable methodologies for further Hall thruster development, with potential applications beyond this specific project.