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Relies on electric power to change the velocity of a spacecraft. Example: Hall-effect thrusters used on communication satellites.

Uses the pressure from solar photons to produce thrust. Example: IKAROS, by JAXA.

Uses magnetic fields to heat and expel plasma, adjustable specific impulse. Example: Proposed for future Mars missions.

Collects ambient air as propellant and uses electric energy for ionization and thrust. Example: Proposed for low Earth orbit satellites.

Relies on detonations of a fuel mixture to produce thrust. Example: Experimental, not yet used for active spacecraft propulsion.

Combines a nuclear reactor with electric propulsion such as ion thrusters. Example: Conceptual designs for future deep space exploration.

Accelerates propellant by thermal energy, which can be electrically powered. Example: Arcjet thrusters on spacecraft.

Heats a propellant using a nuclear reactor to create thrust. Example: Project NERVA (never flown).

Uses the Lorentz force to accelerate plasma for propulsion. Example: Used mainly in theoretical studies and experimental models.

Employs a pressurized inert gas that is expelled to produce thrust. Example: Maneuvering thrusters on satellites.

Uses quick bursts of plasma to create thrust. Example: Ejection of Teflon plasma on CubeSats.

Combines solid fuel with liquid or gas oxidizer for thrust. Example: SpaceShipTwo by Virgin Galactic.

Heats a non-reactive fluid to expel it for thrust. Example: Satellite propulsion for altitude adjustments.

Uses the reaction of chemical propellants to produce thrust. Example: Saturn V rocket.