Carbon Nanotube Cathode

Carbon Nanotube Cathode (e.g. Busek)

Low power consumption, less susceptible to O₂

demonstrated life of >6 months at accelerated levels

lightweight and inexpensive (easy to fly spares)

a) configuration of FEPET carbon nanotube field emission cathode

b) carbon nanotubes (Courtesy of FEPET Inc)

c) In-FEEP thruster with the carbon nanotube cathode