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Fundamental physics

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.

How big is it?

0.1 N · thrust

Thrust · representative
Typical recorded range: 0.02 N to 1 N.

Scale illustration of the thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster, showing the recorded thrust.
Recorded thrust: 0.1 N.

A little perspective

Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster vs Thrust of a gridded ion engine: weight comparison

The thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is about 1.11 times the thrust of a gridded ion engine.

Scale

FORCE

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.

0.1 NThrust
0
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.

0.09 NThrust
0
Bar length measures force in newtons. Mass and local gravity determine weight.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +

Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster

Thrust: 0.1 N; representative; range 0.02 N–1 N.

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.

Thrust of a gridded ion engine

Thrust: 0.09 N; representative; range 0.02 N–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.

Defined examples — our methodology

The marked thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.

Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.

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Why this measurement?

Why we use 0.1 N

We compare the thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 0.02 N to 1 N.

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.

The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →

Explore fundamental physics →

Recorded properties

Dimensions and measurements

PropertySelected valueRecorded rangeBasis
0.1 N0.02 N to 1 Nrepresentative

Around this scale

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Sources and method

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