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* [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/SMART-1/SEMLB6XO4HD_0.html Ion-propelled ESA Moon Probe - reached the Moon in November 2004] |
* [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/SMART-1/SEMLB6XO4HD_0.html Ion-propelled ESA Moon Probe - reached the Moon in November 2004] |
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Revision as of 18:05, 27 October 2006
An ion drive is a type of propulsion that uses an electric field to accelerate charged particles and eject them at high velocities (in some designs, the particles approach the speed of light). This type of propulsion is used by many pre-warp civilizations to propel probes and lightweight spacecraft once they are in open space. The thrust produced is quite gentle, often requiring from hours to weeks to reach full velocity.
The Ares was powered by an ion drive. (VOY: "One Small Step")