An ion thruster is a form of electric propulsion that generates thrust by electrically accelerating ionized propellant, typically xenon gas, to very high exhaust velocities using electric or electrostatic fields. The technique produces only a gentle push, far weaker than a chemical rocket, but sustains it far more efficiently over long periods, making it well suited to deep-space missions where propellant mass is at a premium. Ion thrusters have flown on missions including Deep Space 1, Dawn and Hayabusa, and are increasingly used for satellite station-keeping.
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