ionipropulsion

Ion propulsion is a type of electric propulsion used for spacecraft. It works by ionizing a propellant, such as xenon, and then accelerating the resulting ions using an electric field. This acceleration creates thrust, propelling the spacecraft forward. The process typically involves an ionization chamber where propellant atoms are bombarded with electrons, stripping them of their own electrons and creating positively charged ions. These ions are then directed towards an accelerating grid, which is held at a high negative potential. The electric field between the grids pulls the positive ions forward at high speeds. A neutralizer then emits electrons back into the ion beam to prevent the spacecraft from building up a negative charge.

Compared to chemical rockets, ion thrusters produce very low thrust. However, they are extremely fuel-efficient, meaning they can achieve very high exhaust velocities and thus much greater changes in velocity over time with a small amount of propellant. This makes them ideal for long-duration missions, such as deep space exploration and orbital station-keeping, where the slow but steady acceleration can build up significant speed over months or years. Early ion propulsion systems were developed in the mid-20th century, and they have since been used on various scientific and commercial spacecraft. Challenges in ion propulsion development have included the need for high-power electrical systems and ensuring the long-term durability of the thruster components.