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Key decision factors for satellite operators when choosing between chemical and electric propulsion:

  1. Fuel Efficiency
  2. Lost Mission Revenue
  3. Responsiveness
  4. Thrust Requirements
  5. Deorbiting
  6. Upfront Cost
  7. Propellant Availability & Storage
  8. Fine Pointing Maneuvers

Summary

Electric propulsion is well suited for deep space and long-duration missions because it can generate power for a long time through solar arrays, from a very small amount of propellant.

But for missions where revenue, responsibility and responsiveness take high priority, chemical propulsion systems provide quick orbit insertion, responsible re-entry, and instantaneous thrust and is often the better choice.

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