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The magic of ion engines
 
Artist's impression of SMART-1 ion engine
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How an ion engine works. Electrons attracted into the discharge chamber collide with xenon atoms from the propellant gas supply, making charged atoms (ions). Current-carrying coils, inside and outside the doughnut-shaped discharge chamber, sustain a magnetic field oriented like the spokes of a wheel. By the Hall effect, ions and electrons swerving in opposite directions in the magnetic field create an electric field. This expels the xenon ions in a propulsive jet. Other emitted electrons then neutralise the xenon, producing the blue jet.

SMART-1 is the first of ESA’s Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology. It will head for the Moon using solar-electric propulsion and carrying a battery of miniaturised instruments.

Credits: Illustration by AOES Medialab, ESA 2002

 
 
ESA's Artemis
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ESA's Artemis - saved from the grave by its ion engines. After its launch in 2001, put this experimental telecommunications satellite into too low an orbit, ion engines intended only for manoeuvring have gradually raised the orbit.

Credits: ESA/J.Huart
 
 
BepiColombo
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BepiColombo;
BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter are ESA's first long-range science missions designated to use an ion engine

Credits: ESA
 
 
Solar Orbiter
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Solar Orbiter;
BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter are ESA's first long-range science missions designated to use an ion engine

Credits: ESA
 
 
The SMART-1 ion engine being test fired
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The SMART-1 ion engine being test fired

Credits: ESA
 
  Last update: 31 August 2006 


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BepiColomboLISASolar Orbiter
Related articles
Ion engine gets SMART-1 to the Moon
 
 
 
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