Singdall wrote:
Elderon the Wise wrote:
Yep, we wouldn't want to be killing any space trees or space critters by polluting their environment would we.
*grins* was refering to the eco-***** here on earth who tossed a fit with the other types of powerful rocket engines because what happens if they explode, well should be asked what happens when one explodes as they all do sooner or later.
still i find it neet.
Yeah. But that's still not a very significant issue. The ion engine is nowhere near powerful enough to lift itself, much less any form of payload out of the earth's gravity and into orbit. It's only valuable in space. So we're still dealing with the same problems in terms of a rocket exploding on launch whether we're lifting an ion powered probe or not.
However, you are *kinda* correct in one way. An alternative for long term, high efficiency, propulsion is to use "nuclear rockets". Basically utilizing a low level nuclear reaction to shunt massive amounts of electrons backwards and generate thrust (remarkably similar to what the ion engine does actually). The ion drive is "better" in that it operates in a similar manner, but doesn't require highly radioactive materials to be launched in space. It's not nearly as powerful or efficient though, nor does its fuel source last as long (highly radioactive materials will produce excess electrons for a *long* time, based on the material and the decay rates and the rate of reaction you're using), but it's a decent alternative.
That's how it's "good for the environment". And I agree. It *is* neat...