New Russian Ion Engines to Be Tested in Space  19.03.21 | 10:39 Keldysh Research Centre which is a member of the Roscosmos space corporation expects to conduct flight tests of ion engines in 2025-2030,  TASS  reports.   Picture: News 24  Website It is specified that the Keldysh Centre has already created products with a capacity of 200 W to 35 kW. At the moment, their resource characteristics are being confirmed, a preliminary study is underway to create a 100 kW engine. It is noted that low-power engines will be used in low-orbit small spacecraft, high-power engines in heavy transport systems. The standard active life of a modern propulsion system, like the apparatus as a whole, is 15 years. In June last year, the specialists of the Keldysh Centre have already conducted firing docking tests of the ID-200 KR ion engine, modifications of which can be used to correct the orbit of satellites, as well as for the implementation of missions for the exploration of deep space.