Ion engine

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-003075",
  "term": "Ion engine",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A type of electric propulsion system for spacecraft that generates thrust by accelerating ions using electric fields. While producing very low thrust, these engines offer extremely high specific impulse, making them efficient for long-duration missions in space. They typically use inert gases like xenon as propellant and are powered by solar arrays.",
  "synonyms": [
    "ion rocket",
    "ion thruster"
  ],
  "subject": "Aviation maintenance",
  "see_also": [
    "nuclear-electric rocket"
  ],
  "translations": {
    "de": "Ionentriebwerk",
    "es": "motor iónico",
    "fr": "moteur ionique"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/ion-engine/"
}