Structural propellant for ion rockets (spir)

Systems, methods, and apparatus for a structural propellant for ion rockets (SPIR) are disclosed. A method for in-space propulsion of a spacecraft involves removing, by a removal device, a portion of a structure of the spacecraft. The method further involves feeding, by the removal device, the portion into a Hall thruster system. Further, the method involves utilizing, by the Hall thruster system, the portion as propellant to produce thrust. The structure can be an upper stage of the spacecraft. The upper stage can comprise at least one structural support and/or at least one upper stage housing. The structure can be manufactured from magnesium, bismuth, zinc, and/or indium.