Ion-Powered Space Probe

The probe as payload on top of the Z-MAP Satellite launcher on the launch pad

The probe in an orbit around Kerbin

The Ion-Powered Space Probe is a stock probe which utilizes the PB-ION Electric Propulsion System ion engine.

This probe requires a launcher, as the ion engine doesn't provide enough thrust even to leave the ground. The Z-MAP Satellite launcher is capable of bringing this probe into orbit.

Two PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, mounted on opposite sides, are its only electric generators. They are buffered by four Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Packs. As the generators aboard don't generate enough electricity and some is needed to run the command module, the ion engine can only run up to 10% of its maximum thrust. This limits the maximum force applied by the engine to about 50 N or completely dry an acceleration about 0.08 m/s².

The probe is equipped with three sensors: A 2HOT Thermometer, a Double-C Seismic Accelerometer, and a GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detector