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
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