Asset Publisher

How an ion engine works

How an ion engine works


Copyright: ESA 2002. Illustration by Medialab.

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 neutralize the xenon, producing the blue jet.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
View »
21-Nov-2024 13:19 UT

ShortUrl Portlet

Shortcut URL

https://sci.esa.int/s/89e7YV8

Latest Selection

Also Available As

Related Images

Related Videos

Related Publications

Related Links

See Also

Documentation