Spaceflight π#GeneralGalacticβs water π§ propulsion system could provide 5-10 times the Delta-V of traditional systems. For #chemical propulsion, it will use electrolysis to split water, then burn the hydrogen with oxygen as the oxidizer. For #electrical propulsion, it will split water and then apply sufficient electrical energy π to convert the oxygen into plasma. It will then use a #magnetic field to guide the plasma out of a thruster https://interestingengineering.com/space/satellite-using-water-powered-propulsion-system
βWhile we are still some years away from making #fusion energy a viable technology for #PowerGeneration on Earth, we donβt need to wait to start using this power source for #SpacecraftPropulsionβ https://edition.cnn.com/science/nuclear-powered-rocket-pulsar-space-spc/index.html
To get enough fuel β½ into #orbit for a #Mars π΄ mission would require at least 10 launches of the #SLS rocket, or about $20 billion π°. Just for the fuel. To use traditional propulsion, one needs to push the boundaries of #reuse β»οΈ and heavy lift rockets to extreme limitsβwhich is precisely what #SpaceX is trying to do with its fully reusable launch system https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/02/report-nasas-only-realistic-path-for-humans-on-mars-is-nuclear-propulsion
#Space π is a far more logical, sensible place to do #fusion, because thatβs where it wants to happen anyway. In π 2027, weβre going to send a small part of #Sunbird in #orbit. The first #functional Sunbird will be ready four to five years later. Sunbird could deliver #cargo to #Mars π΄ in under six months https://edition.cnn.com/science/nuclear-powered-rocket-pulsar-space-spc/index.html
@ScottManleyHimself : Why #nuclear β’οΈ rockets can beat #chemical rockets and #IonEngines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlKAMB71wT4
Why Nuclear Rockets Are Going To Change Spaceflight
In an #electrospray thruster, charged particles are pulled directly out of a liquid propellant using a strong electric field and accelerated using charged #electrodes https://spacepropulsion.mit.edu/electric-propulsion
The #3Dprinted prototype was able to generate thrust more #efficiently than larger, more expensive #chemical rockets and outperformed existing droplet #electrospray engines. It can be produced rapidly and for a fraction of the #cost π΅ of traditional thrusters and even be fully made in #orbit π https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-engineers-develop-fully-3d-printed-electrospray-engine-0212
MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine
MIT researchers demonstrated the first fully 3D-printed, droplet-emitting electrospray engine. The low-cost device can be fabricated more quickly than traditional thrusters, potentially from on board a spacecraft, and could enable CubeSats to perform precise, in-orbit maneuvers, aiding space research projects.
#MIT #OpenLearning, topic #SpacePropulsion, excerpt :
β’ Fundamentals and Definitions
β’ Basic #Electromagnetic Theory and Plasma Physics
β’ #Electrostatic Thrusters
β’ Characterization of Space Propulsion Devices
β’ #Plasma Accelerators
...
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/16-522-space-propulsion-spring-2015/pages/lecture-notes/
Ultrananocrystalline diamond π may be a promising approach to prolong service life. #Nanoscaled metamaterial could help to reduce the heat losses. #SelfHealing of Boron nitride nanotubes with very high tensile strength similar to that of carbon nanotubes, and excellent electrical characteristics https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-02269-7
Recent progress and perspectives of space electric propulsion systems based on smart nanomaterials - Nature Communications
Miniaturized spacecraft built from advanced nanomaterials are poised for unmanned space exploration. In this review, the authors examine the integration of nanotechnology in electric propulsion systems and propose the concept of self-healing and adaptive thrusters.
#FusionPropulsion offers 1000 times the power of conventional #IonThrusters currently used in orbit. The vacuum environment and extremely cold βοΈ temperatures of space π provide an ideal setting for fusion propulsion * https://orbitaltoday.com/2023/07/14/interplanetary-travel-to-become-faster-through-nuclear-fusion/