• @jimmydoreisalefty
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    34 months ago

    Great write up of the basics, thanks for sharing!

    Key decision factors for satellite operators when choosing between chemical and electric propulsion:

    1. Fuel Efficiency
    2. Lost Mission Revenue
    3. Responsiveness
    4. Thrust Requirements
    5. Deorbiting
    6. Upfront Cost
    7. Propellant Availability & Storage
    8. Fine Pointing Maneuvers

    Summary

    Electric propulsion is well suited for deep space and long-duration missions because it can generate power for a long time through solar arrays, from a very small amount of propellant.

    But for missions where revenue, responsibility and responsiveness take high priority, chemical propulsion systems provide quick orbit insertion, responsible re-entry, and instantaneous thrust and is often the better choice.