Abstract: The electromagnetic vector modulation of electrical thruster′s flow is based on magnetic field reforming which leads to the orientation altering of plasma flow. To verify the electromagnetic vector modulation of electrical thruster, the theoretical simulation and experiments were carried out for the helicon plasma thruster (HPT). The magnetic field can be altered with electromagnetic vector modulation coils illustrated in theoretical simulation results. The plasma flow is deflected as the magnetic field is adjusted as shown in experimental results. Plasma density fluctuates according to an accessional magnetic field generated periodically. The plasma flow changes its orientation with 60 degrees at most with a modulated frequency which reaches 15Hz. The electromagnetic vector modulation for helicon plasma thruster is verified feasible.

Key words: electrical propulsion, vector modulation, electromagnetic concocting, helicon plasma, plasma parameters