3 ms·
The StarLink satellites use krypton thrusters instead of xenon [0]. They need more electic power to run, but produce higher specific impulse [1]. And krypton is
by tlb 7y ago
The StarLink satellites use krypton thrusters instead of xenon [0]. They need more electic power to run, but produce higher specific impulse [1]. And krypton is cheap.
[0] https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/starlink_press_kit.pdf https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/starlink_press_kit...
[1] http://ngpdlab.engin.umich.edu/electric-propulsion/krypton-HET http://ngpdlab.engin.umich.edu/electric-propulsion/krypton-H...