1x
1
2x
2x
2
2x
2x
3
ION eNGINe
HAYABUSA employed a new technology -
the microwave-discharge ion engine. This
engine fi rst ionizes the propellant gas,
Xenon, with microwaves then electrically
accelerates and emits the ions, to propel
itself forward. It is expected that this
highly effi cient engine will power space
exploration in the future.
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