Engineering
Solar Electric Propulsion for Deep Space Missions
Quick fact
Solar electric propulsion can be ten times more fuel-efficient than chemical rockets, despite producing only about the thrust of a sheet of paper against your hand. This efficiency allows spacecraft to carry less fuel and travel farther.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a spacecraft that accelerates as gently as a piece of paper falling, yet over months it can outrun any chemical rocket. How is that possible?