Why Do Ion Thrusters Use Xenon? KSP Doesn't Teach
- Episode aired Jan 17, 2017
- 9m
Xenon is the chemical of choice for ion engines even over comparable chemicals such as argon which is cheaper. Xenon has it happens produces twice the thrust per atom because it's much great... Read allXenon is the chemical of choice for ion engines even over comparable chemicals such as argon which is cheaper. Xenon has it happens produces twice the thrust per atom because it's much greater mass gives it more momentum and it is easier to ionize. But slightly more massive and e... Read allXenon is the chemical of choice for ion engines even over comparable chemicals such as argon which is cheaper. Xenon has it happens produces twice the thrust per atom because it's much greater mass gives it more momentum and it is easier to ionize. But slightly more massive and even easier to ionize, cesium remains on engineers radar.