A XIPS (
xenon ion propulsion system
is a highly-efficient (but low-thrust) rocket. It is basically a cross between a
and a xenon light bulb. Used primarily for positioning orbiting spacecraft.
s of all types (see
) will become increasingly necessary when humans EscapeToSpace
from October 2055, OctoberZeroFiveFive
Note: xenon (Xe), a noble (inert) gas, is found in Earth's atmosphere at the rate of less than 1 ppm per volume and in the Martian atmosphere at 0.08 ppm.
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October 26, 2005
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