// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Electric Propulsion
Electric propulsion is a type of spacecraft engine that uses electrical energy to accelerate a propellant, providing very efficient but low thrust.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Electric propulsion is a class of spacecraft propulsion systems that use electrical power to accelerate a propellant (e.g., xenon, argon) to very high exhaust velocities via electromagnetic forces, offering significantly higher specific impulse and fuel efficiency than chemical rockets, primarily used for orbital maneuvering, station-keeping, and deep-space missions requiring low thrust over long durations.
BACKGROUND
The fuel economy in aircraft is the measure of the transport energy efficiency of aircraft. Fuel efficiency is increased with better aerodynamics and by reducing weight, and with improved engine brake-specific fuel consumption and propulsive efficiency or thrust-specific fuel consumption. Endurance and range can be maximized with the optimum airspeed, and economy is better at optimum altitudes, usually higher. An airline efficiency depends on its fleet fuel burn, seating density, air cargo and passenger load factor, while operational procedures like maintenance and routing can save fuel.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Ion propulsion
- Hall effect thruster
- Electrostatic propulsion
- Plasma propulsion
USAGE NOTE
Electric propulsion systems are ideal for long-duration deep-space missions where fuel efficiency is paramount.