: a reaction engine deriving thrust from the ejection of a stream of ionized particles
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Recent Examples on the WebThe solar arrays are expected to power the spacecraft and the agency’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster, a commercial ion engine being tested on the mission. Eric Killelea, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Nov. 2021 But to really make the most of the ion engine, the craft needs onboard automatous navigation.Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2020 After tests and checkout, each satellite's low-power ion engine will be used to raise its orbit to an operational altitude of about 342 miles. William Harwood, CBS News, 4 June 2020 When they are launched – using the company's own reusable Falcon 9 rockets – they are placed into orbit above Earth's surface and then use their onboard ion engines to raise altitude up to an operational orbit, which can take several months. Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, 27 Apr. 2020 Better yet, the power needed to run the ion engine can come from solar panels — no heavy onboard fuel tanks or generators required. Corey S. Powell, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2019 Launched in 2007 with an ion engine, Dawn is nearing the end of its extended mission. Marcia Dunn, OrlandoSentinel.com, 3 July 2018 Launched in 2007 with an ion engine, Dawn is nearing the end of its extended mission. Marcia Dunn, OrlandoSentinel.com, 3 July 2018 Launched in 2007 with an ion engine, Dawn is nearing the end of its extended mission. Marcia Dunn, OrlandoSentinel.com, 3 July 2018 See More