The thrust is small. These are used after the satellite is in orbit, to maintain orbit and “attitude,” which is the direction they point.
IIRC, the atoms are ionized then accellerated through a magnetic field. Total mass of xenon on a satellite is maybe 50 - 150 pounds.
Slowing down, reversing, etc. is done by firing in the opposite direction.
Re: Slowing down, reversing, etc. is done by firing in the opposite direction.
I know.
My point - does it take 50% of the fuel and 50% of the travel time to slow down enough to go into orbit around something?
Space X STARLINK satellite internet service uses Krypton ion thrusters for station keeping and to deorbit the satellites
Krypton is rare, but not quite as Xenon