Less propellant and more payloads are also attractive on a science mission. But mass gains are not the only advantage. Special EP thrusters can also be used for attitude control and because thrust levels are much lower, additional possibilities are offered to control a satellite's attitude very precisely. The thrust produced by an electric thruster can easily be modulated and adjusted within a certain range. This can satisfy specific needs during a mission or adapt to the electrical power available on board at any time during the operational life of a spacecraft.
Interplanetary missions can also save time.
Even though the thrust is low, an electric thruster can fire for extremely long periods, with the result that a spacecraft may reach its target quicker than if chemical propulsion had been employed. Whether it be on a journey today to the Moon or tomorrow towards Mercury, such space science missions can be smaller, faster, cheaper.