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 of force

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

Scale illustration of Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster, calibrated to its thrust measurement.
The marked thrust represents 0.1 N.

A little perspective

About the same scale as Thrust of a gridded ion engine.

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.

Linear measure
FORCE0.1 N0.09 N
Bar length measures force in newtons. Mass and local gravity determine weight.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +

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.

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.

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Why this measurement?

Why we use 0.1 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 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →

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Recorded properties

Thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster dimensions and measurements

PropertySelected valueRecorded rangeBasis
0.1 N0.02 N to 1 Nrepresentative

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Sources and method

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