Artemis ion thruster

The Artemis telecommunications satellite will be the first ESA satellite to fly electric propulsion technology operationally. Shown is the Engineering Model of the Radio Frequency Ion Thruster (RIT), built by DASA, which will use xenon propellant for controlling Artemis' north-south positioning in geostationary orbit. Artemis will also carry a pair of Electro-bombardment Ion Thrusters (EITs), from Matra Marconi Space. [Image Date: 1997-09-00] [97.09.015-002]