The strongest ion engine to date has passed testing

Beijing, November 7th (Reporter Zhang Jiaxin) - The Debrief news website reported on the 6th that NASA and aerospace company AeroJetRocketdyne have successfully completed qualification testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). This thruster is currently the most powerful electric thruster (also known as an ion engine) produced, and is crucial for future scientific and exploration missions on the moon and other planets

Beijing, November 7th (Reporter Zhang Jiaxin) - The Debrief news website reported on the 6th that NASA and aerospace company AeroJetRocketdyne have successfully completed qualification testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). This thruster is currently the most powerful electric thruster (also known as an ion engine) produced, and is crucial for future scientific and exploration missions on the moon and other planets. NASA claims that this breakthrough is a true next-generation technology that will change the space propulsion game.

According to the latest data from AEPS, its power output can reach 12 kilowatts, which is sufficient to power over 1330 LED bulbs.

According to NASA, during qualification testing, AEPS emitted a blue plume, which is generated by ionized xenon gas and produces efficient thrust after ejection. Traditional chemical propulsion uses liquid propellant as fuel, generating very short but powerful energy explosions to push spacecraft in the desired direction. Electric propulsion, on the other hand, uses inert gas propellants as fuel, which can accelerate spacecraft to extremely high speeds with only a small portion, lasting longer, and generating greater energy. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for deep space exploration and scientific missions.

Three AEPS thrusters will be installed on the basic components of the "Portal" lunar orbiting space station - power and propulsion components. This small lunar space station is crucial for NASA's "Artemis" mission and helps prepare for the human mission to Mars. The power and propulsion components will provide power and high-speed communication for the 'portal', enabling it to maintain a unique lunar orbit.

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