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__The__Anomaly__ OP t1_j05nf9p wrote
"Researchers say they may have discovered the solution to a problem that has long hindered progress with a novel form of plasma propulsion that could one day carry humans to distant planets, and potentially launch a new era of space exploration.
The helicon double-layer thruster (HDLT) is a prototype plasma thruster propulsion system that works by injecting gas into an open-ended source tube, where radio frequency AC power produced by an antenna surrounding it electromagnetically ionizes the gas. Within this highly charged plasma, a low-frequency electromagnetic helicon wave is excited by the antenna’s electromagnetic field, further heating the plasma."
Pepega_throw t1_j06568z wrote
Therefore, similar to an ion thruster, slow and steady does indeed win the race. The fundamental concept behind this kind of thing hasn't existed for very long, right? What has been the main obstacle to using these on larger craft up until now, and how is this different? I apologise; I don't understand any of the technical jargon, so if it was explained in the article, I missed it.
politicatessen t1_j08auho wrote
From my understanding of the article: the problem is that magnetic field lines are usually spherical. This causes the ejected ions to circle back into the thruster.
[Edit] went and re-read the article
They're using sound or ultrasound to shape or modify the magnetic field. This allows them to eject the particles away from the thruster more reliably.
I'm not sure how that's supposed to work in space but maybe I don't totally understand what a magneto-sonic field is
LookAround-blog t1_j06xafm wrote
As the great Russian poet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin wrote in his poem "To the Sea": "O, boundless expanse, my soul's delight! / O, image of eternity and space! / O, sea! O, freedom's towering might! / O, boundless expanse, my soul's delight!" Just as the sea represents boundless freedom and possibility, so too does the vastness of space hold endless potential for exploration and discovery. With the HDLT plasma thruster, we may finally have the means to unlock this potential and take our first steps into the cosmic ocean.
FuturologyBot t1_j05qdts wrote
The following submission statement was provided by /u/__The__Anomaly__:
"Researchers say they may have discovered the solution to a problem that has long hindered progress with a novel form of plasma propulsion that could one day carry humans to distant planets, and potentially launch a new era of space exploration.
The helicon double-layer thruster (HDLT) is a prototype plasma thruster propulsion system that works by injecting gas into an open-ended source tube, where radio frequency AC power produced by an antenna surrounding it electromagnetically ionizes the gas. Within this highly charged plasma, a low-frequency electromagnetic helicon wave is excited by the antenna’s electromagnetic field, further heating the plasma."
Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/zljcbe/plasma_propulsion_discovery_could_herald_a_new/j05nf9p/
[deleted] t1_j08shhj wrote
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[deleted] t1_j08te9d wrote
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jeffreynya t1_j08tk22 wrote
what ever happened with VASIMAR? that was plasma base propulsion right?
hacklez t1_j08toek wrote
[Thissoundssmart] (however,,,I know something they don't know) or do I know nothing they do know
Pbleadhead t1_j05rlqq wrote
Article doesn't give ISP and TWR. How is a god dammed kerbal space program player supposed to know how good something is if they don't give the ISP and TWR?