Solar Electric Propulsion
Spacecraft powered by electric thrusters coupled with compact, light-weight solar arrays mean that near-Earth and interplanetary space missions will no longer have to rely on chemical thrusters to explore deep space. Boeing’s highly efficient solar arrays with electric thrusters allow for increased on-orbit maneuverability. Solar electric propulsion enables the efficient transport of heavy payloads from low Earth orbit to higher orbits. Science missions could also use solar electric propulsion to reach distant regions of our solar system, and commercial missions could use solar electric propulsion tugs to place, service, resupply, reposition and salvage space assets.