spaceware Hall-effect thrusters
A family of Hall-effect electric thrusters for satellites from 5 to 1,000 kg. Exotrail says more than 31 are already flying.
Why it matters
Hall thrusters give more push per watt than many other electric engines, so small satellites can change orbit faster and carry fuel for longer missions.
How the technology works
A Hall-effect thruster ionizes a gas such as xenon and uses crossed electric and magnetic fields to accelerate the ions out the back. Exotrail sells spaceware in nano, micro and mini sizes; the smaller models run on xenon and the mini on xenon or krypton.
The company says more than 31 systems are in space.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction