Component

Ion Thruster

A gridded electrostatic thruster that ionises a propellant (usually xenon) and accelerates it with electric-field grids to very high exhaust velocity. It delivers tiny thrust but sips fuel, enabling missions like Deep Space 1 and Dawn.

Part of Propulsion

Highlights

›Gentle but ultra-efficient; enabled Deep Space 1 and Dawn

Knowledge connections

Part ofPropulsion
Associated withElectric Propulsion
Associated withSpecific Impulse

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
NASA JPLJet Propulsion Laboratory / Solar System Dynamics
Orbital data, ephemerides, and small-body parameters for planets, asteroids, and comets.

Loading…