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Solar electric propulsion typically refers to the combination of solar cells and ion drive for propelling a spacecraft through outer space. This technology has been studied by NASA and is considered promising.
The main concept is a nexus of Solar panels on spacecraft and ion thruster. However, there are a number of other types of electrically powered spacecraft propulsion such as the Arcjet. It may not employ an ion drive, of which there are a variety of types also.
It is also possible to generate electricity from the Sun without using photovoltaic panels, such as with solar concentrators and a Stirling engine.
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Possible examples
- Hayabusa
- Deep Space 1
- Dawn (spacecraft)
- Asteroid Redirect Mission (NASA)
- Deep Space Gateway
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Other types of spacecraft propulsion
- Nuclear electric rocket
- Solid-fuel rocket
- Liquid-propellant rocket
- Ion thruster
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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