ion engine

technology

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July 16, 2026

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An ion engine is a type of reaction engine that generates thrust by expelling a stream of ionized particles. This technology, first used around 1958, involves giving atoms or molecules a positive electric charge and then accelerating these ions to high speeds.12

While traditional chemical rockets use combustion, ion engines utilize electrical means to accelerate the propellant. This method is particularly useful for missions requiring sustained, low thrust, such as flights to other planets or for maintaining the position of spacecraft. Companies like Boeing and EADS are involved in developing and manufacturing these systems.32

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aerospace industry
Propulsion
…simple electric propulsion systems, or ion engines, have been used as well. Ion engines give a positive electric charge to atoms or molecules and then accelerate the resulting ions to high speed to produce thrust. Boeing Satellite Systems (formerly part of Hughes Electronics) makes the Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS)…
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…simple electric propulsion systems, or ion engines, have been used as well. Ion engines give a positive electric charge to atoms or molecules and then accelerate the resulting ions to high speed to produce thrust. Boeing Satellite Systems (formerly part of Hughes Electronics) makes the Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS)…
Read More