The article is a bit technical. In brief, scientists have hit upon a propulsion method that if it works would revolutionise space exploration
https://science.slashdot.org/story/16/0 ... on-its-way" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In lay mans terms, using current technology, it takes about 8 months to get to Mars. If this new technology works, that time is reduced to 10 weeks.
There is naturally some scepticism, not least because it throws Newtons Third Law out of the window.
Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object.
Space, the final frontier
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Re: Space, the final frontier
So basically we can travel quicker...who wouldn't love that ?! One step closer to warp speed
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Re: Space, the final frontier
It would also be a lot cheaper and weigh a lot less then normal rockets, so you could send more equipment with the astronauts.
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Re: Space, the final frontier
its an interesting technology but I think it will be decades before it becomes usable in any practical sense .
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Re: Space, the final frontier
There have been a few tests carried out since 2001. The paper being published means that more people can get involved, so hopefully we'll see some positive results come through and more sharing of information, which will speed up the whole process.
From what I've read and understood, it's not that difficult to produce the thrust, which means that the engines (for want of a better term) will be cheap and easy to produce. They'll also be a lot safer as you're not throwing a few tonnes of fuel around.
From what I've read and understood, it's not that difficult to produce the thrust, which means that the engines (for want of a better term) will be cheap and easy to produce. They'll also be a lot safer as you're not throwing a few tonnes of fuel around.
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Re: Space, the final frontier
Hopefully they can fire that twat prof cox into orbit and hope he never comes back
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Re: Space, the final frontier
Is this the thing they just tried at Canaveral this morning??? /snigger.
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Re: Space, the final frontier
I like how some old bloke already came up with this is 1999 and was poo pood. Now Nasa are close to releasing a paper on it that he's already wrote and is already available.
I hope both Nasa and the british scientist who is still working on it are successful. I really want to see space travel to distant places become a reality. Whether drone or manned.
I guess it's closer to impulse power than warp drives.
I need warp. Someone hurry up and invent the method of bending space time.
I hope both Nasa and the british scientist who is still working on it are successful. I really want to see space travel to distant places become a reality. Whether drone or manned.
I guess it's closer to impulse power than warp drives.
I need warp. Someone hurry up and invent the method of bending space time.
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Re: Space, the final frontier
Why??
What are you going to do with warp drive?? Warp drive is Star Trek BS, and won't happen until the 2060's....Hyperspace has been around forever...although admittedly it is still far, far away.
What are you going to do with warp drive?? Warp drive is Star Trek BS, and won't happen until the 2060's....Hyperspace has been around forever...although admittedly it is still far, far away.