Space propulsion system, electrostatic gridded ion thruster
The Deep Space 1 and Dawn used the NSTAR, a solar-powered electrostatic ion propulsion engine
The NASA Solar Technology Application Readiness (NSTAR ) is a type of spacecraft ion thruster called electrostatic ion thruster .[1] [2] It is a highly efficient low-thrust spacecraft propulsion running on electrical power generated by solar arrays . It uses high-voltage electrodes (including two fine grids) to accelerate ions with electrostatic forces.
^ "NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Application Readiness (NSTAR)" . NASA's Glenn Research Center . April 21, 2009. Archived from the original on January 11, 2003. Retrieved 2015-03-18 .
^ Sovey, J. S., Rawlin, V. K., and Patterson, M. J.: "Ion Propulsion Development Projects in U. S.: Space Electric Rocket Test 1 to Deep Space 1." Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 17, No. 3, May–June 2001, pp. 517-526.