Deep Space 1
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TSR69
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PostPosted: Sun, 22nd Aug 2010 14:06    Post subject: Deep Space 1
Already launched quite some time ago but it had interesting new technologies.
This probe was the 1st one with ion propulsion.
I found a documentary about its accomplishments on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9545D19004E6F1C6

In that documentary they will tell you how very successful this mission was but to be honest a hell of a lot went wrong.
The engine didn't want to start at 1st, the auto navigation system basically didn't work well, some of the software had to be rewritten during the mission, the on-board computer crashed Laughing
Some more facts about DS1:
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/deepspace_propulsion_000816.html

Another trial with a nuclear powered ion propulsion 'project Prometheus' has been cancelled unfortunately.
But this kind of technology is the key for deep space exploration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Prometheus
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swingman




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PostPosted: Sun, 22nd Aug 2010 17:27    Post subject:
Sounds better than it is and it might have to do with the name sounding like something out of sci-fi where 'ion engines' are used to travel at supra-light speeds. The real ion-engine is a very weak impulse engine but which can operate for long times. Only good for small acceleration over a long time period.

The same thing with that Project Prometheus. It just sounds similar to something from SG1 but even combining nuclear power with ion engines is not what it sounds like. This is not nuclear fission or fusion energy. This is just using radioactive decay of isotopes to power the ion engine thermally or electrically. Doesn't change the power characteristics of the engine.

This kind of engine does have its advantages and applications in unmanned missions of long duration without having to rely on gravity assist.
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TSR69
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Posts: 14962
Location: Republic of the Seven United Provinces
PostPosted: Sun, 22nd Aug 2010 17:47    Post subject:
The Prometheus project had as goal to use a nuclear fission reactor to power the ion propulsion since it would go so far away from the sun that it couldn't power that with solar cells.
A deep space manned made mission with that kind of propulsion is possible IMO but then you will have to start thinking about a huge vessel, 5% of its mass is a self-sustainable living environment, 5% engines, 90% propulsion mass, bit speculative of course.


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