SCI/TECH: Mars And Back In 90 Days, page 1

posted on Oct, 16 2004 @ 03:40 PM

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This article describes a new propulsion system currently under study. It would dramatically cut the time needed for space travel using conventional means. If used, this new system would open the solar system to research visits by mankind.

www.spacedaily.com
A new means of propelling spacecraft being developed at the University of Washington could dramatically cut the time needed for astronauts to travel to and from Mars, and could make humans a permanent fixture in space.
In fact, with magnetized-beam plasma propulsion, or mag-beam, quick trips to distant parts of the solar system could become routine, said Robert Winglee, a UW Earth and space sciences professor who is leading the project.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

A new Propulsion systen designed for space travel is being devoloped. If it works as suggested, quick research trips around the solar system may begin to occur. As I see it, this could lead to off-planet mining, or colonization. Possibly, it could even give the final answer to the question, "Are We Alone."

Related News Links:
www.uwnews.org

Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
www.abovetopsecret.com...
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[edit on 10-16-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

lister

posted on Oct, 16 2004 @ 06:35 PM

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I've just read the article on the website. It states that the system would allow a craft to be propelled on the solar wind by generating this field around the ship.

The solar wind travels at 180,000 miles per hour or something like it.

Okay, my question is this. If you ride the solar wind out to the far reaches of the solar system - how do you get back. You'd be against the wind so to speak?

Kidfinger

posted on Oct, 16 2004 @ 06:41 PM

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Lister, here is your answer. And it was actually in the article

But to make such high speeds practical, another plasma unit must be stationed on a platform at the other end of the trip to apply brakes to the spacecraft.

If it can stop it, Im sure it can sen it back.

Chuck Stevenson

posted on Oct, 16 2004 @ 09:17 PM

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Using the Solar Wind? Not mentioned as the source in the article, stricly the Mag-beam.

Okay if the force of the beam is constant radially from the point of origin and is a constant, would the craft be able to 'Tack' upwind using the same process as a sailing ship to move 'into' the wind? Would this also apply to moving across the wind?

dubiousone

posted on Oct, 17 2004 @ 01:14 AM

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would the craft be able to 'Tack' upwind using the same process as a sailing ship to move 'into' the wind?

Interesting idea. I question whether that's possible since, in sailing, tacking upwind utilizes both the force of the wind and the resistance of the water against the hull and rudder of the ship/boat/sailboard. What would be the source of resistance that's necessary to make "tacking" possible in the solar wind?

Iwunder

posted on Oct, 17 2004 @ 08:31 AM

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and what would a piece of debris say the size of a penny traveling the opposite direction do if it impacted the craft at anything over say just 25000 mph ? Seems like you might get a permanent case of air conditioning ! One or two of these could have you wimpering back home if it did not result in catastrophic failure !!

[edit on 17-10-2004 by Iwunder]