As we celebrate International Day of Human Space Flight (12th April), let's explore the fascinating world of jet propulsion - the driving force behind mankind's journey into the cosmos.
One day I had an idea: a huge electromagnetic accelerator located at the equator. The outlet of the accelerator rests on the top of the mountain. A spacecraft with an external fuel tank accelerates to supersonic speed. A laser or microwave beam from space stations equipped with solar panels or nuclear reactors transfers energy to the spacecraft's engines. Several power stations pass the spacecraft to each other like a seasoned basketball team. The spacecraft goes into orbit and the fuel tank lands on the water and can be reused. If the fuel is ordinary water, we will get the "first space steam locomotive" :)
Thank you for sharing this innovative and imaginative idea for a space propulsion system! Your concept of using a large electromagnetic accelerator combined with energy transfer from space-based power stations is an intriguing approach to potentially reduce the fuel mass required for a launch. The reuse of the external fuel tank adds an element of sustainability, which is increasingly important in the context of space exploration. The playful idea of a "first space steam locomotive" using water as fuel brings a sense of wonder to the concept.
While there would be numerous technical and logistical challenges to overcome in implementing such a system, it's exciting to see creative ideas like yours that could inspire new solutions in the field of space travel. Keep thinking outside the box and sharing your thoughts – who knows what the future might hold!
You are not alone, there is at least one startup that aims to build a rocket with an external energy source: https://www.f6s.com/spaceborne. It is a great idea indeed.
I am curious if there is a material capable of absorbing microwaves that is simultaneously strong enough to sustain thousands of degrees Celsius.
To answer your question, I think its unlikely that we will invent a new type of propulsion not yet conceived, but that we could very well revive those deemed impractical in the past. My vote is for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. https://www.lianeon.org/p/how-the-atom-can-split-martian-travel
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the potential future of space propulsion. The link you provided offers a fascinating look into the possibilities of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and how it could significantly change the landscape of space travel. Indeed, it's essential that we continue to explore and reassess previously discarded technologies, as advancements in materials, engineering, and safety measures could very well make them viable options. With an impressive ISP of 900, NTP certainly has the potential to revolutionize interplanetary travel, making missions to Mars and beyond more efficient and sustainable.
Sometimes distinction between thrusters and engines gets blurred when thrusters are used as primary in space propulsion, like Deep Space 1, Smart 1, Dawn, Hayabusa etc., Of course these are scientific missions. BTW another interesting non jet propulsion technology is electrodynamic tethers. They were proposed for deorbitig but also for launching to high Earth and escape orbits (NASA MXER)
Thank you for bringing up the interesting point regarding the distinction between thrusters and engines in the context of primary propulsion for scientific missions. Indeed, as you mentioned, missions like Deep Space 1, Smart 1, Dawn, and Hayabusa have utilized thrusters as their primary means of propulsion, highlighting the versatility of these systems.
Additionally, your mention of electrodynamic tethers adds another dimension to the discussion on non-jet propulsion technologies. The potential applications of these tethers, such as deorbiting and launching into high Earth or escape orbits, demonstrate the value of exploring a diverse range of propulsion systems. Technologies like NASA's MXER (Momentum eXchange Electrodynamic Reboost) show promise in revolutionizing our approach to space travel and satellite management.
One day I had an idea: a huge electromagnetic accelerator located at the equator. The outlet of the accelerator rests on the top of the mountain. A spacecraft with an external fuel tank accelerates to supersonic speed. A laser or microwave beam from space stations equipped with solar panels or nuclear reactors transfers energy to the spacecraft's engines. Several power stations pass the spacecraft to each other like a seasoned basketball team. The spacecraft goes into orbit and the fuel tank lands on the water and can be reused. If the fuel is ordinary water, we will get the "first space steam locomotive" :)
Thank you for sharing this innovative and imaginative idea for a space propulsion system! Your concept of using a large electromagnetic accelerator combined with energy transfer from space-based power stations is an intriguing approach to potentially reduce the fuel mass required for a launch. The reuse of the external fuel tank adds an element of sustainability, which is increasingly important in the context of space exploration. The playful idea of a "first space steam locomotive" using water as fuel brings a sense of wonder to the concept.
While there would be numerous technical and logistical challenges to overcome in implementing such a system, it's exciting to see creative ideas like yours that could inspire new solutions in the field of space travel. Keep thinking outside the box and sharing your thoughts – who knows what the future might hold!
You are not alone, there is at least one startup that aims to build a rocket with an external energy source: https://www.f6s.com/spaceborne. It is a great idea indeed.
I am curious if there is a material capable of absorbing microwaves that is simultaneously strong enough to sustain thousands of degrees Celsius.
To answer your question, I think its unlikely that we will invent a new type of propulsion not yet conceived, but that we could very well revive those deemed impractical in the past. My vote is for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. https://www.lianeon.org/p/how-the-atom-can-split-martian-travel
With an ISP of 900, we can do a lot.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the potential future of space propulsion. The link you provided offers a fascinating look into the possibilities of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and how it could significantly change the landscape of space travel. Indeed, it's essential that we continue to explore and reassess previously discarded technologies, as advancements in materials, engineering, and safety measures could very well make them viable options. With an impressive ISP of 900, NTP certainly has the potential to revolutionize interplanetary travel, making missions to Mars and beyond more efficient and sustainable.
Sometimes distinction between thrusters and engines gets blurred when thrusters are used as primary in space propulsion, like Deep Space 1, Smart 1, Dawn, Hayabusa etc., Of course these are scientific missions. BTW another interesting non jet propulsion technology is electrodynamic tethers. They were proposed for deorbitig but also for launching to high Earth and escape orbits (NASA MXER)
Thank you for bringing up the interesting point regarding the distinction between thrusters and engines in the context of primary propulsion for scientific missions. Indeed, as you mentioned, missions like Deep Space 1, Smart 1, Dawn, and Hayabusa have utilized thrusters as their primary means of propulsion, highlighting the versatility of these systems.
Additionally, your mention of electrodynamic tethers adds another dimension to the discussion on non-jet propulsion technologies. The potential applications of these tethers, such as deorbiting and launching into high Earth or escape orbits, demonstrate the value of exploring a diverse range of propulsion systems. Technologies like NASA's MXER (Momentum eXchange Electrodynamic Reboost) show promise in revolutionizing our approach to space travel and satellite management.