Space · Topic 112 of 119
Ion Engines
⭐ MasteredAn ion engine pushes a spacecraft by shooting out charged particles called ions. It produces only a small push but can keep working for years, making it very efficient over long journeys.
💡 Fun fact
The Dawn spacecraft used ion engines to visit both Vesta and Ceres in the asteroid belt.
All about Ion Engines
An ion engine pushes a spacecraft by shooting out charged particles called ions at very high speed. It produces only a small push but can keep working for years, making it very efficient over long journeys. Ion engines use electricity from solar panels.
The Dawn spacecraft used ion engines to visit both Vesta and Ceres in the asteroid belt. Its engines allowed it to travel to two very different worlds.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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