Ionization
Ionization is the process of converting an atom or a molecule into an ion by adding or removing one or more electrons. In space and astronautical engineering, ionization is a crucial process for propulsion systems. Ion thrusters use this process to generate thrust by accelerating ions to high velocities using electric fields. The ionization process occurs in the thruster's ionization chamber, where a gas is ionized and turned into plasma. The plasma is then accelerated by an electric field and expelled out of the thruster, generating thrust. Ionization is also important in the study of space weather, as it is responsible for the formation of the ionosphere, a layer of ionized gas in the Earth's upper atmosphere that affects radio communication and navigation systems.
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