This manner of operation means that an ion thruster and a small mass of fuel can theoretically create a much larger delta-V than chemical rockets, perfect for long-range space missions to Mars and ...

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 ...

Could nuclear propulsion be the breakthrough that takes humans to Mars more efficiently? This deep dive explores the challenges of interplanetary travel, the limitations of current chemical and ion ...

Hollow cathodes are used as part of both Hall effect and gridded ion thrusters, which are some of the most common forms of electric propulsion in use today. The operation of hollow cathodes, despite ...

Thierry is also the editor-in-chief of Aviation Week’s ShowNews. Startup Ion-X Develops Ionic Propulsion For Satellite Deorbiting is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, an Aviation ...

P redicting the lifetime of an electric ion thruster is notoriously difficult. You have to account for the chamber wall effects, which are not present in space environments. Researchers within ...

These systems are characterized by the propellant used and emission mode of the ion beam. The most common of these, field emission electric propulsion (FEEP), utilize liquid metals as its ion source ...

Ford is working to scale lithium manganese-rich cell chemistry and integrate the batteries into Ford's lineup within this ...