Thrust of a gridded ion engine
The thrust of a gridded ion engine is the force generated by accelerating ions through electrostatic grids to provide propulsion in space.
How big is it?
0.09 N of force
Thrust · representative
Typical recorded range: 0.02 N to 0.25 N.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster.
Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster: The thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is the force produced by accelerating ions with a magnetic field to propel a spacecraft.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Thrust of a gridded ion engine
A representative 90 mN thrust for a gridded electrostatic ion engine. The stated range spans different engine sizes and throttle settings rather than one fixed design.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster
A representative 0.1 N operating thrust for a Hall-effect satellite thruster. Thruster class, propellant, discharge power and throttle point determine the actual force.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 0.09 N
For comparison, this page uses thrust. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. The recorded range is 0.02 N to 0.25 N.
A representative 90 mN thrust for a gridded electrostatic ion engine. The stated range spans different engine sizes and throttle settings rather than one fixed design.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Thrust of a gridded ion engine dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.09 N | 0.02 N to 0.25 N | representative |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.Around the same scale · Fundamental physicsThrust of an ionocraft lifter0.2 NThe thrust of an ionocraft lifter is the upward force generated by moving ions through air using high voltage, allowing the device to lift itself.Nearest higher value · Fundamental physicsThrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster0.1 NThe thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is the force produced by accelerating ions with a magnetic field to propel a spacecraft.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Fundamental physicsThrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster0.1 NThe thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is the force produced by accelerating ions with a magnetic field to propel a spacecraft.Fundamental physicsThrust of an ionocraft lifter0.2 NThe thrust of an ionocraft lifter is the upward force generated by moving ions through air using high voltage, allowing the device to lift itself.
GravityWeight of a 180 g apple1.765 NThis is the downward force exerted by gravity on an average eating apple.GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.GravityBinary-star planet tidal acceleration0.01 NBinary-star planet tidal acceleration is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a planet due to the influence of two stars.Fundamental physicsSoap film pull on a wire0.006 NSoap film pull on a wire is the force created by the surface tension of a soap film stretched across a wire frame.Fundamental physicsRaindrop aerodynamic drag0.0003 NRaindrop aerodynamic drag is the force exerted by air resistance on a falling raindrop as it moves through the atmosphere.