Review of Electric Propulsion Technologies with Emphasis on Hall Effect Thruster for Satellite Operations

Abstract

The exponential growth of small satellite deployments and the increasing density of orbital debris necessitate compact, efficient, and sustainable propulsion systems capable of executing precise maneuvers and extended operational lifetimes. While traditional chemical propulsion is limited by severe size and efficiency constraints, scaling down complex electric propulsion (EP) systems for powerconstrained micro-platforms introduces significant engineering challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of five leading electric propulsion technologies: Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPTs), Electrospray Thrusters, Gridded Ion Engines, Vacuum-Arc Thrusters (VATs), and Hall-Effect Thrusters (HETs). These systems are evaluated across critical mission parameters, including thrust-to-power ratio, specific impulse, system complexity, and flight heritage. The analysis demonstrates that while technologies like PPTs and Electrosprays serve niche ultra-low-power roles, Hall-Effect Thrusters provide the optimal balance of scalable thrust, efficiency, and integration feasibility. Ultimately, this study establishes HETs as the most viable baseline technology for modular small satellite propulsion systems tasked with orbit maintenance, collision avoidance, and decommissioning.