Spiral trajectory
Ion exhaust
Earth
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An ion thruster produces only millinewtons of thrust, but firing continuously along the velocity vector for weeks at a time reshapes an orbit just as surely as a single powerful chemical burn — only as a slow outward spiral instead of an instant jump. This simulator integrates the real orbital-energy relation for continuous tangential thrust, growing a spacecraft's semi-major axis, orbital period and altitude live while its propellant mass depletes according to the rocket equation. Adjust thrust, specific impulse and wet mass to see the classic ion-propulsion trade-off: low thrust and high Isp mean a slow climb that costs very little propellant, exactly why electric propulsion suits long, patient missions rather than quick maneuvers.