In 📆 2023, #SpaceX launched the first of its #Starlink V2 Mini satellites 🛰️. These next-generation spacecraft are equipped with #HallEffect thrusters, or #HETs, that operate on #argon, instead of the #krypton propellant on previous Starlinks https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/year-in-review/a-year-of-firsts-for-electric-propulsion
The essential working principle of the #HallThruster is that it uses an #electrostatic potential to accelerate #ions up to high speeds https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall-effect_thruster#Principle_of_operation
#ElectricPropulsion

A year of firsts for electric propulsion
The Electric Propulsion Technical Committee works to advance research, development and application of electric propulsion for satellites and spacecraft.
Aerospace AmericaLiquid and solid propellant 🔥 #rocket engines feature low mass efficiency due to the thermodynamic limitations and extremely low efficiency at small thrust. The electric 🔋 thrusters do not pose limits on the propellant exhaust velocity and the propellant mass consumption may be very low https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-02269-7
#ElectricPropulsion #PlasmaThruster #IonThruster #HallThruster

Recent progress and perspectives of space electric propulsion systems based on smart nanomaterials - Nature Communications
Miniaturized spacecraft built from advanced nanomaterials are poised for unmanned space exploration. In this review, the authors examine the integration of nanotechnology in electric propulsion systems and propose the concept of self-healing and adaptive thrusters.
Nature
Hall-effect thruster - Wikipedia