Aerospace Propulsion Technology Sector

Research has been conducted on fundamental mechanisms and engineering applications in the field of aerospace electric propulsion, particularly in Hall-effect electric propulsion. A series of products have been developed, including magnetic shielding and magnetic focusing Hall-effect thrusters, high-precision micronewton-level cusp-field electric thrusters, and fast-start low-power hollow cathodes. These achievements have been recognized with awards such as the National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class), the Ministry of Education Technology Invention Award (First Class), and the Top 10 Scientific and Technological Advances in Chinese Universities.

Regarding the hollow cathode—a key component of Hall-effect propulsion—breakthroughs have been made in achieving sub-second arc ignition for rapid startup of Hall thrusters and enabling self-sustained discharge in low-power, low-flow hollow cathodes. A lightweight hollow cathode for electric propulsion has been developed and successfully applied in China’s low-orbit mobile communication constellation. Additionally, low-current hollow cathodes have been industrialized, addressing critical challenges such as low-cost mass production and rapid testing of core components for propulsion systems in low-orbit constellation satellites. To date, 151 sets of flight-ready products have been delivered.