Hall effect thruster

A Hall effect thruster is a type of electric propulsion system used in spacecraft. It operates by using electric and magnetic fields to accelerate ions (charged particles) and produce thrust. First, the thruster generates a plasma from a gas like xenon. The magnetic field then steers the charged ions, and as they exit the thruster, they create a flow of exhaust that pushes the spacecraft in the opposite direction. This technology is efficient and allows for precise maneuvering in space, making it especially useful for long-duration missions and satellite positioning.