ion engine
noun
a type of rocket engine in which thrust is obtained by the electrostatic acceleration of charged positive ions
Compare plasma engine
Words nearby ion engine
ioduria,
iolanthe,
iolite,
iom,
ion,
ion engine,
ion exchange,
ion exchanger,
ion generator,
ion implantation,
ion propulsion
Scientific definitions for ion engine
ion engine
A rocket engine that develops thrust by expelling ions fired by an electron gun, used in some spacecraft. Though ion engines create less thrust than chemical combustion engines, they are considerably more efficient and require very little propellant, resulting in much lighter weight and less need for high thrust. See also solar-electric propulsion.