In-orbit demonstration of an iodine electric propulsion system

This paper demonstrates a new electric propulsion system using iodine as propellant, presenting in-orbit results. Iodine, stored as a solid, sublimates at low temperatures, forming a plasma with enhanced ionization efficiency compared to xenon. Ions are accelerated to generate thrust, creating a highly collimated beam. Successful space operation onboard a small satellite, with maneuvers confirmed via satellite tracking data, is reported. The authors anticipate this will lead to wider adoption of iodine as a propellant due to its benefits in miniaturization and simplification of propulsion systems for various space missions.

Dmytro Rafalskyi, Javier Martínez Martínez, Lui Habl, Elena Zorzoli Rossi, Plamen Proynov, Antoine Boré, Thomas Baret, Antoine Poyet, Trevor Lafleur, Stanislav Dudin, Ane Aanesland