The AEPS is a solar electric propulsion system that uses xenon as its propellant, much like existing ion engines. Where it differs is in the power output, which should allow it to work as the ...

[Steven Dufresne] recently demonstrated ion propulsion using high voltage ... it appears that the resulting “ion wind” propels the Enterprise with respect to the fixed testing apparatus.

Unlike most interplanetary probes, Dawn is not propelled by a chemical rocket engine, but by a solar-electric ion propulsion system, particularly suitable for long-distance flights. This innovative ...

Hence an electric propulsion system is also referred to as an ion engine. According to Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The plume of ions ...

Get Instant Summarized Text (Gist) Simulations of electric ion thrusters have been validated through experiments, addressing challenges in predicting thruster lifespan due to chamber wall effects ...

But to travel from low-Earth orbit (LEO) to farther orbits—or even the Moon—requires a different kind of ion thruster capable ...