In order to improve the uniformity of the neutral atom distribution in the discharge channel of the low-power Hall thruster, the finite element method was used to optimize the key structural parameters of the anode gas distribution ring. Aiming at the double-chamber anode gas distribution ring structure, the influence of key parameters such as the volume ratio of the buffer chambers and the number of diversion holes between the buffer chamber partitions on the uniformity of anode gas supply was analyzed. The research results show that with the increase of the volume ratio, the difference of the anode gas distribution ring outlet pores decreases rapidly and then stabilizes. When the ratio k=1.0, the average difference rate and the maximum difference rate are 1.77% and 3.79%, respectively; when the number of diversion holes between the buffer chamber partitions increases from 8 to 14, the difference rate of the air outlets shows the characteristics of the bathtub curve, and when number of the diversion holes is 10, the average difference rate and the maximum difference rate are 1.8% and 3.8%, respectively. The research results can provide theoretical support for the engineering design of the anode gas distribution ring of the Hall thruster.

The wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster possesses many advantages such as its suitability for high power propulsion (about 100 kWe-1 MWe), high thrust density (about 4×10⁵ N/m²), variable high thrust (about 1-100 N), and adjustable specific impulse (about 3 000-10 000 s). These advantages make the wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster well suited for a diverse range of future space missions with high-performance. Based on previous studies of the wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster both home and abroad, this work summarizes the technical status of the wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster in recent years, and analyzes the theoretical issues the present research faced in the development of the wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster, such as the so called single-pass ion cyclotron resonance heating, the plasma detachment controlling, the high-power density plasma diagnosing in strong magnetic fields, as well as many engineering difficulties, including the efficient thermal management and high-power RF power supplies. Finally, application directions of the wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster are prospected according to its performance characteristics.