The test is the yield of propulsive energy, which scientists measure as “specific impulse.” When chemists dream their fanciest dreams, they imagine powering a rocket with liquid hydrogen and ...

The team at Neumann Space built an ion engine that broke the previous specific impulse (bounce per ounce) record. NASA’s HIPEP thruster previously held this record with a specific impulse of ...

Credit: NASA, public domain Before we dive into the world of ion thrusters, it’s important to understand the concept of specific impulse and fuel efficiency for rocket thrusters of all kinds.