Tech Today: NASA’s Ion Thruster Knowhow Keeps Satellites Flying

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Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

This Hall-effect thruster, shown being tested at Glenn Research Center, turns electricity and inert gas into force that could propel a spacecraft. Orbion Space Technology was founded to bring the high efficiency of these thrusters to small commercial satellites, and the company sought the center’s help to make that a reality.

Credit: NASA

In low Earth orbit, satellites face a constant challenge ...