New Ion Engine Could Take Small Satellites To Moon

Image Credit: EPFL

EPFL Laboratories Developing MicroThrust Ionic Motor Capable Of Propelling Small Satellites To Moon; Thruster Weighs About 200g Including Fuel & Control Electronics; 1-kg Nanosatellite  Would Consume Only 100ml Of Fuel, Accelerate Up To 42,000km On 6-Month Journey To Lunar Orbit; To Be Used On Dutch Nanosatellite Lunar Mission OLFAR; ESA SMART-1 Mission Used Ion Propulsion