5 ms·
The thruster would quickly die out once the static electricity on the vessel created an energy well that matches the energy of the electrons thrust. Instead us
by sbdhzjd 2y ago
The thruster would quickly die out once the static electricity on the vessel created an energy well that matches the energy of the electrons thrust.
Instead use a powerful laser. Light carries momentum without the need to preserve charge.
- guepe 2y agoAh! That “well” is exactly what I couldn’t understand from ion thrusters, where they shed electrons as they expulsé ionized gas. All I could find was “to keep the same charge”, but since there is no absolute ground, what’s the problem? You just explained it :)
- sbdhzjd 2y agoNp. I remember first coming to that realization. Fun thought experiment: what happens to a beta emitter in outer space?