:en:ion engine ne demek?

An ion engine, also known as an electric propulsion system, is a type of engine that accelerates ions using electromagnetic fields to provide thrust.

Ion engines work by accelerating a stream of ions out of the engine at very high speeds, creating a force that propels the spacecraft in the opposite direction. This type of propulsion system provides a much higher specific impulse (i.e. fuel efficiency) compared to traditional rocket engines.

While ion engines provide a very low thrust compared to chemical rockets, they can operate for much longer durations and can deliver higher speeds over time. This makes them ideal for outer space missions like interplanetary travel, where the low gravity and vacuum environment can benefit from this type of propulsion system.

Ion engines are most commonly used in small satellites and probes and have been used in many space missions including the NASA Deep Space 1 mission, Dawn mission, and the European Space Agency's BepiColombo mission to Mercury.