Dan StaffordApr 30

#mwgic #2026 #Space #Propulsion #IonDrive #Ion #Electric #ElectricRocket

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-fires-up-powerful-lithium-fed-thruster-for-trips-to-mars/

NASA Fires Up Powerful Lithium-Fed Thruster for Trips to Mars

A novel electromagnetic thruster passed an initial test in a specialized chamber at JPL. With further development, these thrusters could support human missions to the Red Planet.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
MarcinW đŸ–„ïžđŸš€Jan 8, 2023

@ #ElectricRocket debate:

1. Electric propulsion does exist https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_electric_propulsion
2. Various electric space launch systems were conceptualised, although never built. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-rocket_spacelaunch#Electromagnetic_acceleration

Both of these combined allow for a fully-electric rocket launch from Earth. Lol, no, it does not violate Newton's Third Law.

Also, you could always just electrically throw golf balls from the rear end. Lol, no, that does not violate Newton's Third Law either. https://what-if.xkcd.com/85/

Spacecraft electric propulsion - Wikipedia