Various ion thrusters have been designed and they all generally fit under two categories.

On 27 May, ion thruster operation was started again.

To cause enough change in momentum, ion thrusters are designed to last for periods of weeks to years.

Ion thrusters are therefore able to achieve extremely high specific impulses.

The following table compares actual test data of some ion thrusters:

Ion thrusters are used on some satellites and spacecraft.

Ion thrusters fired, manoeuvring it away from the big frigates.

Ion thrusters can also be used for interplanetary and deep space missions where time is not crucial.

In addition, several missions are planned to use ion thrusters in the next few years.

In an ion thruster, electricity is used to accelerate ions out the back.

Ion thrusters lifted the clipper-class ship clear of the bay, then the secondary drive came on.

The flight from earth orbit to Mars will be powered by ion thruster engines.

Spacecraft which do not need to escape from strong gravity may use ion thrusters or other more efficient methods.

Its ion thrusters glowed bright blue to compensate the wayward thrust.

Erick fired the ion thrusters, keeping the Tigara on track.

Ion thrusters are frequently quoted with an efficiency metric.

It proposes to use a radioisotope thermal generator with ion thrusters.

Some modern satellites are therefore employing a high specific impulse system like plasma or ion thrusters.

Most ion thrusters built today have small thrusts.

In the US, scientists focused instead on developing gridded ion thrusters.

Ion thrusters flared around her base and nose.

Ion thrusters, impulse drives, and warp engines were among the most popular imports from the Union.

These were electrostatic ion thrusters using mercury and cesium as the reaction mass.

These characteristics facilitate the development of ion thrusters that can result in extraordinary high-end velocities.

Ion thrusters can achieve extremely high speeds and use little propellant however the are power hungry too.