Hall Effect Thrusters
Hall Effect Thrusters are a type of electric propulsion system used in spacecraft. They work by using a magnetic field to accelerate ions, which are charged particles, creating thrust. This method is efficient and allows for longer missions in space compared to traditional chemical rockets.
These thrusters operate by ionizing a gas, typically xenon, and then using electric and magnetic fields to direct the ions out of the engine. The resulting thrust is much lower than that of chemical engines, but it can be sustained for much longer periods, making them ideal for deep-space exploration and satellite maneuvering.