Xenon Propellant

Xenon propellant is a type of fuel used in electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. It’s a noble gas that can be ionized—turned into charged particles—and then expelled at high speeds to generate thrust. Because xenon is dense and manageable in small quantities, it provides efficient, long-lasting propulsion for spacecraft to adjust their orbits or travel deeper into space. Unlike traditional chemical fuels, xenon engines use electricity—often from solar panels—to accelerate ions, making them highly efficient for space missions, especially for maintaining or changing a satellite’s position or enabling deep-space exploration.