What governing equation determines the maximum delta-v achievable by an electric spacecraft?
Answer
The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation
Despite their vastly superior exhaust velocities, spacecraft utilizing electric propulsion are still subject to fundamental rocket physics regarding the total change in velocity achievable. The maximum delta-v a spacecraft can attain is directly governed by the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. While ion engines benefit from a much larger exhaust velocity term in this equation compared to chemical rockets, the finite mass of the propellant carried onboard ultimately constrains the total velocity change possible over the mission's lifetime.
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