# How to achieve escape velocity from Ceres?

If I am interested in a sample return mission to Ceres using a similar propulsion technology package to Dawn, what kinds of additional propulsion would be required to land and then return?

Calculations in [1] and [2] yield that to achieve $$v_{esc}$$ you require 503m/s, and to achieve $$v_{circ}$$ 356m/s. Given the free rotation at the equator of 94m/s you need a $$\Delta$$V of 410m/s for $$v_{esc}$$ or 262m/s for $$v_{circ}$$.

My question is: aside from the large amounts of extra fuel for the return journey, what propulsion systems would be appropriate to make up this additional $$\Delta$$V. I would have thought that it is the initial 262m/s to achieve $$v_{circ}$$ that is prohibitive, as once orbiting you can continue using ion thrusters until $$v_{esc}$$ is achieved. So, what kinds of technology are appropriate for that range.

Dawns wet mass was ~1300kg and as $$g_{ceres}=0.285m/s$$ so thrust required to overcome gravity is 370N (although this would scale due to higher propellant and extra propulsion system requirements).

For asteroid mining, it seems to me that a combination of efficient ion engines with an additional propulsion system to achieve $$v_{esc}$$ is required.