NASA launched a spacecraft named "Deep Space 1" back in
'98 that used an ion drive for propulsion (with Xenon gas).
Here's the website...

http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/ds1/

And the press release announcing the end of the mission...

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/releases/2001/release_2001_241.html

Bill.



Russell McMahon wrote:

>Ion drive spacecraft travelling from Earth to Moon orbit as a
>demonstrator of ion motor technology.
>Will also carry many scientific experiments.
>Motor energy is provided by solar panels. Reaction mass
>(expelled by the ion drive to provide thrust) is Xenon gas.

<snip>

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu