NASA's NEXT ion thruster clocks up continuous operation world record
« Back to Article
NEXT engine undergoing test (Photo: NASA)
Diagram showing how an ion engine works (Image: NASA)
Possible future space missions using ion propulsion(Image: NASA)
The NEXT engine (Photo: NASA)
The NEXT engine (Photo: NASA)
NASA's NEXT engine (Photo: NASA)
Article Summary
NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion engine has set a new world record by clocking up 43,000 hours of continuous operation at NASA’s Glenn Research Center’s Electric Propulsion Laboratory. The seven-kilowatt thruster is intended to propel future NASA deep space probes on missions where chemical rockets aren't a practical option.
« Back to NASA's NEXT ion thruster clocks up continuous operation world record
Other Images from this Gallery
Related Articles
-
NASA studying solar-electric propulsion for “space tugboat”
31st January, 2012
-
NASA examines hybrid solar-electric propulsion for manned space missions
5th November, 2012
-
In pictures: NASA tracer rockets form ringed clouds at the edge of space
28th March, 2012
-
New ion engine could reach Mars in 39 days
28th July, 2009
-
NASA to demonstrate largest-ever solar sail in space
28th September, 2011
-
Microthruster ion drive gives tiny satellites a boost
19th August, 2012
