Print 73 comment(s) - last by Alexvrb.. on Oct 30 at 1:40 AM
Former NASA astronaut turns heads with his innovative engine
Comments     Threshold   RE: Use... By Entropy42 on 10/7/2009
10:35:46 AM , Rating: 6 It only works in a vacuum.  RE: Use...
By Yawgm0th on 10/7/2009 10:49:03 AM , Rating: 2 I lolled at
this. +1  RE: Use... By rlandess on 10/7/2009 11:00:44 AM ,
Rating: 2 I don't think a vacuum has anything to do with it. I
was under the impression it was useful only once it has been
placed in orbit. Chemical rockets can achieve a greater amount
of thrust to reach orbit, but the ion rocket is more efficient
for propulsion once in orbit.  RE: Use... By stromgald30 on
10/7/2009 1:18:44 PM , Rating: 2 Actually, it does have to do
with whether it is in a vacuum. The magnets that are used to
accelerate the heated plasma aren't strong enough to move
against atmospheric pressures.  Basically, it's a function of
thrust vs. area. 5N of thrust over the size of the relatively
large thruster exit mean