Tiny Space Engine Powered by Earth's Magnetic Field

Tiny Space Engine Powered by Earth's Magnetic Field

dsc.discovery.com

Engines explode all the time. They usually have fuel in them when they do though.

During what was essentially a wind-tunnel test of an experimental satellite propulsion system that would use Earth's magnetic field instead of chemical propellants to zip around our planet, the test satellite exploded, sending hot chunks of metal flying.

Despite the explosion, the NASA-funded device has since been improved and represents a new breed of satellites that could alter satellite physics and economies. The idea is to create millions of cheap satellites the size of corn kernels (and smaller) to augment today's multi-million dollar, car-sized satellite armada.

(visit the link for the full news article)

I am relatively new here as a member, but have been browsing for quite some time now. I saw this story today and had not heard of this type of propulsion system before, so I thought I would put this story out here and see if any other members had any comments or thoughts. BTW, I love ATS. This site ROCKS!!!

dsc.discovery.com
(visit the link for the full news article)