Electric propulsion represents the future of space travel, which is
a promising technology for Earth-orbital and deep space missions, including
potential applications in human Mars missions. The past decade has
witnessed substantial progress in the conceptualization and experimentation
of electric thrusters and their propellants, signaling a transformative era in
space exploration. This review provides an overview of the comparison
between electric and chemical propulsion, followed by a detailed
examination of current research and development on various types of electric
propulsion thrusters. The discussion encompasses the adoption of diverse
technologies to enhance the scalability of these thrusters, presenting a
comprehensive outlook on the future of space exploration.