Electric Rocket Propulsion

Electric rocket propulsion uses electricity to generate thrust for spacecraft instead of traditional chemical fuels. It works by ionizing a propellant—often a gas like xenon—and then using electric fields to accelerate these charged particles to very high speeds. Since it produces continuous, efficient thrust over long periods, electric propulsion is ideal for deep space missions, allowing spacecraft to reach distant destinations more effectively than conventional engines. Although it provides less immediate acceleration, it offers higher fuel efficiency, enabling extended travel with less mass dedicated to fuel.