Spaceflight

Great write up of the basics, thanks for sharing!

Key decision factors for satellite operators when choosing between chemical and electric propulsion: 

1. Fuel Efficiency
2. Lost Mission Revenue
3. Responsiveness
4. Thrust Requirements
5. Deorbiting
6. Upfront Cost
7. Propellant Availability & Storage
8. Fine Pointing Maneuvers

Summary 

Electric propulsion is well suited for deep space and long-duration missions because it can generate power for a long time through solar arrays, from a very small amount of propellant. 

But for missions where revenue, responsibility and responsiveness take high priority, chemical propulsion systems provide quick orbit insertion, responsible re-entry, and instantaneous thrust and is often the better choice.