Phys.org  November 18, 2021 Xenon is used almost exclusively as an ionizable propellant for space propulsion. However, xenon is rare, it must be stored under high pressure and production cost is high. Researchers in France used iodine propellant in a system and presented in-orbit results of the technology. They stored iodine as a solid and sublimated at low temperatures. Plasma was produced with a radio-frequency inductive antenna with enhanced ionization efficiency. Both atomic and molecular iodine ions were accelerated by high-voltage grids to generate thrust, and a highly collimated beam was produced with substantial iodine dissociation. The propulsion system was […]