http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4527696.stm
very kewl. top it off that it uses argon gas (completely inert thus safe for the enviroment)...
exciting times if you are into that kind of stuff.
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That's some pretty cool stuff. It'll be neat to see how it evolves into space travel some day
Singdall wrote:
(completely inert thus safe for the enviroment)
Belkira wrote:
Wow. Regular ol' Joph fan club in here.
Singdall wrote:
(completely inert thus safe for the enviroment)...
Quote:
The stream of accelerated ions leaving the chamber thrusts the spacecraft forward. Although the force is small, over time it creates great speed in the frictionless environment of space
Yep, we wouldn't want to be killing any space trees or space critters by polluting their environment would we.
Edited, Wed Dec 14 13:56:16 2005 by Elderon
Elderon the Wise wrote:
Singdall wrote:
(completely inert thus safe for the enviroment)...
Quote:
The stream of accelerated ions leaving the chamber thrusts the spacecraft forward. Although the force is small, over time it creates great speed in the frictionless environment of space
Yep, we wouldn't want to be killing any space trees or space critters by polluting their environment would we.
Edited, Wed Dec 14 13:56:16 2005 by Elderon
*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.
Quote From the Future wrote:
"Who would have guessed 20 years ago that increased argon particle emissions from ion drives would cause men to exude a type of gangrenous pus from their urethra? Hindsight is 20/20."
Edited, Wed Dec 14 14:54:45 2005 by bodhisattva
Bode - 100 Holy Paladin - Lightbringer
bodhisattva wrote:
Quote From the Future wrote:
"Who would have guessed 20 years ago that increased argon particle emissions from particle drives would cause men to exude a type of gangrenous pus from their urethra? Hindsight is 20/20."
Now you have gone and blown your cover too! How are we supposed to change the future if they know that's what we are here for?
Ok everyone, just look at this pen for a moment.
/puts on dark glasses
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radon
trickybeck wrote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radon
um, what has radon to do with this thread, they are using Argon not Radon. close, but no cigar for ju.
Quote:
Their Helicon Double Layer Thruster uses radio waves to ionise argon gas; the ions are accelerated across the junction between the two plasma layers.
Edited, Wed Dec 14 15:08:18 2005 by Singdall
Completely inert =/= safe for the environment.
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...
King Nobby wrote:
More words please
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