Plasma thruster technology

Plasma thrusters are advanced propulsion devices that use ionized gas—called plasma—to generate thrust for spacecraft. They work by electrically heating or accelerating the plasma to extremely high speeds, then ejecting it out of the thruster. This creates a gentle but continuous push, allowing spacecraft to travel efficiently over long distances with high fuel efficiency. Unlike traditional chemical rockets, plasma thrusters produce much higher exhaust velocities, enabling longer missions and better maneuverability in deep space. They are key technology for future space exploration, satellite station-keeping, and interplanetary travel.