Sounds promising—just remember a cheaper drive isn’t a free pass. First, map out the power envelope; ion engines need sustained voltage, so you’ll need a lightweight, high‑capacity battery or RTG that fits the rapid‑deployment load. Next, keep the drive modular—swap out a single ion module instead of the whole propulsion system, so you can field‑repair or upgrade in the field. Use a phased ignition sequence; start with a low‑thrust burst to align the vehicle, then ramp up to full thrust once the vehicle’s on target. And don’t forget mass distribution; a heavier engine changes the center of gravity, so balance it with a lightweight structure or ballast. That should keep your rapid‑deployment timeline intact while you squeeze out that cost savings.

Sure, trim the alignment burn by tightening the initial throttle step—use a 10‑percent ramp instead of 20‑percent, then hit full power sooner. That cuts the burn time while still giving you enough guidance. And keep the RTG split into two parallel circuits; if one drops, the other can take over the load, keeping the drive in the field. That should shave that extra minute.

Sounds good—thermal check will catch any hidden heat spikes. Keep that schedule tight and we’ll be right on target.

Good, with thermal covered we can push that tighter margin. Just remember to keep a buffer in the schedule for any last‑minute contingencies; we’ll hit the target if we stay disciplined.