ionmotorer
Ionmotorer, also known as ion propulsion or electric propulsion, are a type of spacecraft propulsion system that produces thrust by accelerating ions. Unlike chemical rockets that expel hot gas, ion thrusters use electric and magnetic fields to accelerate a propellant, typically a noble gas like xenon, to very high speeds. This high exhaust velocity allows ion thrusters to achieve a much higher specific impulse, meaning they can generate thrust more efficiently for a longer duration compared to chemical rockets.
The fundamental principle involves ionizing a propellant, then accelerating these charged particles through an electric field.
Ion thrusters have been used successfully on numerous space missions, including NASA's Deep Space 1, Dawn, and