I was recently looking over my Ion propulsion sites and came up with an idea. Ok basiclly an Ion drive needs time to speed up and also to charge. What if insted of one drive you had 2 or 3. They would charge up from collecting atoms from space. And during the big burn you could let in a huge amount of atoms from lets say tanks. Wouldnt a bigger flow of fuel in this case atoms produce a higher reaction in the reaction chamber and more exhaust gases?? Just a thought of mine any comments??

They would charge up from collecting atoms from space.

I've seen illustrations of this many years ago. Ships with large collectors on the front. I think I remember reading that it would have to be over half a mile in diameter to be able to catch enough atoms. I was looking at an ion engine just the other day in the Science Museum in London.

zzub think bussard. Using a low em field you can scoop them babies up..