Ion thrusters can be scaled up in power and thrust capacity
Multiple studies demonstrate that ion and plasma thrusters can be successfully scaled across varying power levels to increase thrust capacity.
The retrieved literature contains multiple experimental studies (e.g., papers 2, 4, and 5) detailing the operational performance of various ion and plasma thruster designs at increased power inputs and elevated thrust outputs. There are no papers refuting the scalability of ion thrusters.
Whittaker C, Arestie S, Marrese-Reading C, Jorns B. Characterization of a 10 W class electrospray array thruster.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44205-025-00114-4
Paper [2] demonstrates the successful scaling and operation of electrospray array thrusters across several orders of magnitude in power.
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Shin H, Kim J, Hwang J, Chai KB, Kim H. Effects of applied magnetic fields on the performance of magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38380-3
Paper [4] shows that magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters can be scaled to higher power inputs and achieve substantial thrust levels.
Taploo A, Duppada GS, Keidar M. Toward Building Sustainable Mars Infrastructure: A CO<sub>2</sub>-Breathing Plasma Thruster for Orbit Maintenance and In Situ Oxygen Generation.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500325
Paper [5] reports a plasma thruster operating effectively at various power levels to deliver significant thrust.
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