How to Assemble an Ion Thruster Flight Rig

Core Components

An Ion Thruster rig needs four things: the Ion Thruster itself, a Force Field Emitter for containment, a Solenoid for the magnetic nozzle, and a power source. Craft each at a crafting table using Carbon Myofiber, Wiring, and Control Circuit as the common binders.

Power and Control

Route power from a Solar Panel through Wiring into a Charging Base. The Charging Base is where you charge the assembled thruster before flight. A Computer Chip and Control Circuit go into the thruster's control stack so it responds to input rather than firing continuously.

Stabilising Flight

Add a Magnet and a Servo Motor to the rig. The Magnet keeps the plasma stream centred and the Servo Motor adjusts nozzle angle. Without these, the thruster will still fire but you will fight it the whole way.

Safety Gear

Never fly a thruster rig without a Parachute. Charge depletes mid-flight and the Parachute is your only controlled descent. A Glider Wing is optional but lets you stretch a partial charge into a longer glide. Recharge the thruster at the Charging Base between flights — do not launch on a low cell.