Credit: NASA, public domain Before we dive into the world of ion thrusters, it’s important to understand the concept of specific impulse and fuel efficiency for rocket thrusters of all kinds.

ABB Dynafin propulsion concept's positive effects on efficiency and performance have been confirmed in comprehensive ...

The concept of asymmetrical electrostatic propulsion ... it has to push on something in the other direction. Rocket and ion engines (thrusters) solve this by using propellant that create the ...

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 ...

While plasma propulsion isn’t a new concept, the speeds claimed by Rosatom—100 km/s—are far beyond the capabilities of existing ion thrusters, which typically max out at 30-50 km/s.

Electrospray (ES) thrusters generate low thrust via the electrostatic extraction of charged species from an electrified liquid. These systems are characterized by the propellant used and emission mode ...

Nuclear rockets are the future of space propulsion, and while fission propulsion ... Pulsar Fusion revealed a reusable fusion rocket concept known as the “sunbird.” Unlike rockets today ...