NASA's new spacecraft propulsion

[nikimcbee]

http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/nasa-picks-five-companies-study-solar-electri

wait for it......
:har::har::har::har::har:

So, who wants to be the test pilot for this?


What I want to know is, how does one get grant money from NASA to study something and how do I sign up?

[nikimcbee]

In before Vendor.:yeah::rock::woot::haha::D

[Paul Riley]

They should fit them with a warp drive as standard,you could then visit Pluto in only a few seconds :yeah:

[JU_88]

Well at least its its better than one of these (http://www.windenergyplanning.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/wind-turbine-and-house.jpg) :)

[papa_smurf]

In before Vendor.:yeah::rock::woot::haha::D

Thats just been childish:D

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

What is the big deal on this? This "Solar electric propulsion" is essentially just ion thruster powered by energy from solar cells. Whether solar cells can produce enough electricity to give practical thrust is different question.

[Blood_splat]

We need to go with nuclear propulsion.

[Paul Riley]

I think the future of human space exploration is ultimately going to depend on whether we can harness the energy around us,such as the sun and the stars.This will almost definitely be mandatory if we become 'inter-stellar'
Using the above would give us virtually unlimited energy that is both clean and efficient.
If ETs are real,I am inclined to think that they manipulate the stars in some way to provide the energy needed to travel vast distances,either that or they take a short cut through a wormhole.
A positron drive even? :D

[NeonSamurai]

I can see many advantages for such tech. Though I doubt it would move things very fast (not without using massive solar panels, which would kind of defeat the purpose). It could work really well for boosting satellites from LEO.

Also the money investment isn't much, $6 million between 5 companies.

[Osmium Steele]

What is the big deal on this? This "Solar electric propulsion" is essentially just ion thruster powered by energy from solar cells. Whether solar cells can produce enough electricity to give practical thrust is different question.

+1

Deep Space One (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_one) was launched over a decade ago.

[Paul Riley]

I think the future of human space exploration is ultimately going to depend on whether we can harness the energy around us,such as the sun and the stars.This will almost definitely be mandatory if we become 'inter-stellar'
Using the above would give us virtually unlimited energy that is both clean and efficient.
If ETs are real,I am inclined to think that they manipulate the stars in some way to provide the energy needed to travel vast distances,either that or they take a short cut through a wormhole.
A positron drive even? :D

Looks like I was beat to the mark already
http://www.universetoday.com/10650/positron-drive-fill-er-up-for-pluto/

[Paul Riley]

Its fantastic really,everything we need is already readily available,we just need to work out the exact ratio of electrons,protons,positrons etc needed to create 'new' gases,elements etc etc.After all,all matter is really empty space inhabited by electrons,neutrons and protons,just in varying almost pre-destined amounts.
If we could collide electrons and positrons in a controlled environment inside a spacecraft's thrusters (or any other propulsion device you can think of) you have,pound for pound,the most potent and efficient fuel currently known!
A fascinating subject! :know:

[antikristuseke]

Ion engines have very low thrust but a very long operating time, with the near zero friction in space a spacecraft with ion engines can reach incredible speeds because they are continuously accelerating (gravity wells of planets and other celestials not withstanding of course). If the majority of the power to keep the engine running comes from a solar panel then you can cut down on batteries and bring more fuel and thus reach even higher speeds.

I fail to see what exactly is laughable here.

[JU_88]

I fail to see what exactly is laughable here.

A solar eclipes :)

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

+1

Deep Space One (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_one) was launched over a decade ago.Thanks! :salute: I completely forgot this one.

[Platapus]

I fail to see what exactly is laughable here.

Well what is clearly laughable is that obviously this new engine can only be used during the day. :know:

[Highbury]

Well what is clearly laughable is that obviously this new engine can only be used during the day. :know:

It is a spacecraft they are designed for... only during the day? :hmmm:

For low Earth orbit you are charging half of the time and only using it for small orbital insertion burns. Day to Night in orbit is 45mins approx. (Full orbit about 90 mins). For deep space travel it is even less of a problem, the sun's rays go right across the solar system and are blocked by very few bodies. Only being able to use it "during the day" is a planet surface issue, not an issue in space.

[razark]

Well what is clearly laughable is that obviously this new engine can only be used during the day. :know:
Well, that means the crew gets to sleep half the time, then. :yep: