• ablation model
• experiments
• Pulsed Plasma Thruster
• time-of-flight
• tirple langumir probe

Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) technology is a reliable and economic mean to generate thrust. The ex URSS in 1964 launched ZOND-2 mission; this represents the first application of PPT technology in space. Since then research on this technology spread all over the world resulting in other successful missions. The main concern of PPT studies is the increase in thruster efficiency.
The research project here presented involved either theoretical and experimental efforts towards a deeper understanding of PPT technology.
The inclusion of ablation into classical heuristic model ( so called "Slug" and "Snow-plow") resulted in a new simplified model for PPT performance prediction. The proposed model allows a first estimation of propellant consumption and "late-time" losses along with all the other thruster parameters.
In order to validate this model a test campaign was performed. Current measurements were used to validate the model. Moreover triple Langmuir probes were designed for time-of-flight measurements and plume diagnostics.
Collected data are coherent with model expectations and results from previous studies.