Are ion engines useful KSP?

The ion engine is good for fine tuning of orbits. It was also a popular propulsion method for planes on planets on which jet engines don’t work, though its current thrust falloff reduces the value there.

Does NASA uses ion thruster?

As the commercial applications for electric propulsion grow because of its ability to extend the operational life of satellites and to reduce launch and operation costs, NASA is involved in work on two different ion thrusters: the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) and the Annular Engine.

Can you make xenon gas KSP?

The PB-X750 Xenon Container is a fuel tank filled with a large amount of xenon gas. It contains almost eight times as much xenon gas as its smaller cousin, the PB-X150 Xenon Container….

PB-X750 Xenon Container
Radial size	Small
Cost	(total)	24 300.00
(dry)	1 500.00
Mass	(total)	0.76 t

Has NASA designed a light speed engine?

NASA claims their new space engine can reach 99% the speed of light.

Can electricity produce thrust?

Electric propulsion technologies generate thrust via electrical energy that may be derived either from a solar source, such as solar photovoltaic arrays, which convert solar radiation to electrical power, or from a nuclear source, such as a space-based fission drive, which splits atomic nuclei to release large amounts …

Why do ion engines use xenon?

Xenon is the heaviest non-radioactive elemental inert gas. The added mass allows for denser packing at less pressure. The mass is one of the limiting factors, so having a more dense gas helps tremendously. The limiting factor relates to the mass of the propellant.

Do ion thrusters use fuel?

Modern ion thrusters use inert gases for propellant, so there is no risk of the explosions associated with chemical propulsion. The majority of thrusters use xenon, which is chemically inert, colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Other inert gases, such as krypton and argon, also can be used.