ESA - SMART-1 - The magic of ion engines

About SMART-1

Towards final impact

Approaching the mission end Frequently Asked Questions Ask about the SMART-1 impact Join the SMART-1 impact observation campaign

About the journey

The magic of ion engines

The SMART way to travel A spiral pathway to the Moon

About the mission

Masterpieces of miniaturisation What do all the instruments do?

About the Moon

Welcome to the double planet Lunar science - still plenty left to do!Where did the Moon come from?

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The magic of ion engines

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The SMART-1 ion engine being test fired

Credits: ESA

Last update: 31 August 2006