The properties of an argon D.C. arc-jet thruster for space propulsion functioning at low electric power (around 10 kW) and low mass flow (0.5 g/s) are determined. The physical description of the arc and jet plasma takes into account non-equilibrium conditions for local kinetic temperatures and ionization effect. The plasma properties (velocity, pressure, electron and heavy particles temperatures and densities) are calculated by a Navier-Stokes modeling. The influence of different plasma source geometry such as angle and length of the nozzle divergent part and electric power on thrust, specific impulse and arc-jet efficiency are discussed.
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