How do DS1 and other spacecraft propel themselves through space?

Spacecraft move through space by propulsion. They can be propelled by any number of kinds of engines, from the huge Saturn V rockets used to put the Apollo missions into space to tiny attitude control thrusters that keep spacecraft level while traveling in space (about as strong as cans of spray paint). The section of the Principles of Operations will help you learn about the propulsion systems for spacecraft, how they work, and what their limitations are.

DS1 relies on two separate propulsion systems: the main system is a new kind of propulsion called Solar-Electric Propulsion. This system is being tested on DS1 for the first time. Other thrusters are small hydrazine thrusters. These will be used to turn DS1 during flight.


More about propulsion:

How does propulsion work?

How do conventional rockets work?

How does solar electric propulsion (ion propulsion) work?

Why ion propulsion?