The SMART-1 will rely on energy generated by solar panels used by " ion engines " that provide a thrust of charged particles.
42.
An ion engine uses fuel 10 times more efficiently than conventional rockets, he said, but it produces an almost imperceptible amount of thrust.
43.
Engineers determined the cause of the anomaly to be related to the mechanical gimbal system associated with one of " Dawn's " ion engines.
44.
The ion engines on SMART-1 are 10 times more efficient and therefore faster than conventional rocket-fuelled ones, and could slash years from interplanetary journeys.
45.
Perhaps a lower thrust mechanism, like an ion engine, could therefore be used to lower the ship to the surface at a safe speed.
46.
On 4 December, as an emergency measure, xenon propellant from the ion engines was blown to correct the spin, and it was confirmed successful.
47.
The washing machine-sized SMART-1, which stands for Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology, is powered by an ion engine that uses solar electric propulsion.
48.
Although a chemical propulsion mission to Uranus is possible, solar electric propulsion ( ion engine ) is preferred because it allows a larger spacecraft mass.
49.
After switching to a separate ion engine and conducting tests from July 14 through July 16, 2015, engineers certified the ability to continue the mission.
50.
The company planned to use a " mothership ", which would be propelled by an ion engine, releasing a lander to the surface of Phobos.
