Ion-powered spacecraft sets flight record

[Byte 2.0]

http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/space/0...e.1/index.html

200 days of powered space flight....
which broke the record set in 1970 of 161 days....

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byte@pcmech.com

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[Charliey]

Thats cool.

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-Charlie

[theENiGMA]

I need to get me one of those. Don't know what for, but imagine the bragging rights. "Hey guys, have you see my ion powered, deep-space vehicle?" Oh well!
:S
-KEiTH


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Well, I'm off to go look for myself. If I should get back before I return, tell myself to wait for me.

[Toaster]

Now they could try the following:
1. Reduce the size of the nozzle. (outlet of ionized atoms to increase velocity)
2. Pulse the ion stream and add a "kick-start" of focused ionized radiation to stimulate ion production.
3.Increase and pulse the the anodes proportionate electromagnetics. (adding control and output)
4. Pre-aggitate the "fuel" to increase efficiency.


They said "powered" but they mean "manuvering" and this is a whole other ballpark. They are relying on the speed of the exiting plasma for total output. This would be nothing more then manuvering thrusters much like current. They said propulsion with "patience", id like a bit more clarification on this.

More like a plasma drive then a Ion drive.