Inert xenon gas is commonly used as propellant in electric space propulsion systems:
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Ion engines – Xenon gas is ionized and accelerated to high velocities by electric fields for efficient thrust.
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Hall effect thrusters – Xenon ions and electrons generate plasma discharge that propels the spacecraft.
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Field emission electric propulsion – Liquid xenon metal fed to field emitter array enables very high thrust density.
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Resistojet thrusters – Heated xenon propellant provides low-thrust maneuvering capability.
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Micro electrothermal thrusters – MEMS heaters vaporize tiny xenon droplets to produce micro-Newton plasma thrusts.
Xenon’s properties make it an ideal propellant for these electric propulsion technologies that are transforming satellite maneuvering capabilities.
Post time: Oct-08-2023