How long would it take to get to Mars using ion propulsion?

How long would it take to get to Mars using ion propulsion?

There’s a growing chorus of calls to send astronauts to Mars rather than the moon, but critics point out that such trips would be long and gruelling, taking about six months to reach the Red Planet.

Does NASA use ion thrusters?

Ion thrusters (based on a NASA design) are now being used to keep over 100 geosynchronous Earth orbit communication satellites in their desired locations, and three NSTAR ion thrusters that utilize Glenn-developed technology are enabling the Dawn spacecraft (launched in 2007) to travel deep into our solar system.

What is ion propulsion technology?

Ion propulsion is a new technology and uses electrical power and xenon – a gas that occurs naturally. The basic process involves separating the electrons in the xenon atoms to create positively charged ions, which are discharged from the thruster at a speed of 40km/s.

Can ion propulsion be used on Earth?

Does that fact alone stop us from using ion propulsion on Earth? No, because you can speed up (accelerate) the little mass enough to produce enough force. Gravity, which does exist in space, doesn’t work to slow or stop the ship in the way it would on Earth.

When was ion propulsion first used?

1998
In 1998, NASA’s Deep Space 1 (DS1), a mission that tested various advanced technologies for future interplanetary missions (and later, during in its first extended mission, acquired NASA’s first close-up pictures of the nucleus of a comet), became the first spacecraft to use ion propulsion as its primary propulsion …

How does an electric propulsion work?

Electric propulsion technologies generate thrust via electrical energy that may be derived either from a solar source, such as solar photovoltaic arrays, which convert solar radiation to electrical power, or from a nuclear source, such as a space-based fission drive, which splits atomic nuclei to release large amounts …

How long has ion propulsion been in the making?

Ion Propulsion — 50 Years in the Making. April 6, 1999: The ion propulsion system on Deep Space 1 is the culmination of over 50 years of development on electric engine systems in space. Launched on Oct. 24, 1998, Deep Space 1 will be the first spacecraft to actually use ion propulsion to reach another planetary body.

What is the ion propulsion system of Dawn?

Ion Propulsion System. Dawn’s futuristic, hyper-efficient ion propulsion system allows Dawn to go into orbit around two different solar system bodies, a first for any spacecraft. Meeting the ambitious mission objectives would be impossible without the ion engines. Ion propulsion was proved on NASA’s Deep Space 1 mission,

What is the ion propulsion system on Deep Space 1?

April 6, 1999: The ion propulsion system on Deep Space 1 is the culmination of over 50 years of development on electric engine systems in space. Launched on Oct. 24, 1998, Deep Space 1 will be the first spacecraft to actually use ion propulsion to reach another planetary body.

Why do we need 3 ion thrusters for a spacecraft?

This also allows the attitude control system to use the ion thrusters to help control spacecraft attitude. Two ion propulsion engines are required to provide enough thruster lifetime to complete the mission, and the third engine serves as a spare. Since launch the spacecraft has used each of the three ion engines, operating them one at a time.