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They have ion thrusters that prevent them from losing altitude as long as they are operational.
by manmal 10mo ago
They have ion thrusters that prevent them from losing altitude as long as they are operational.
- JumpCrisscross 10mo ago> ion thrusters that prevent them from losing altitude as long as they are operational Unintentional tautology. A satellite is by definition operational as long as it can station keep. That said, yes, they should be able to station keep with ions alone. But also, ion propulsion still requires propellant. Until we figure out orbital magnetic suspension, it’s all reaction engines.