Author Topic: Russian boomer to launch solarsail powered spacecraft (Read 503 times)

Nilsen · « **on:** November 10, 2004, 03:31:29 PM »

Intersting me thinks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3999293.stm

soda72 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:48:17 PM »

I still like Robert Winglee's idea of using mini-magetic Plasma propulsion(M2P2)....

But it will be interesting to see how this one works out...

AKIron · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:53:33 PM »

How fast will that thing go before it runs outta fuel?

1K3 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:59:56 PM »

the space sail-craft does not need fuel irc

soda72 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2004, 04:01:16 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKIron
How fast will that thing go before it runs outta fuel?

should be close to what they think M2p2 would do .. .which is

180,000 miles per hour in three months....

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2004, 04:04:58 PM »

I found it most interesting to see how they are going to launch it.

soda72 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2004, 04:23:18 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Nilsen
I found it most interesting to see how they are going to launch it.

Well hopfully its not a sham for testing a new weapons system in order to avoid international criticism ..

AKIron · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2004, 04:26:17 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 1K3
the space sail-craft does not need fuel irc

The sun provides the fuel. They also mentioned lasers. I don't believe either would provide much power beyond our solar system which is why I was wondering how fast it could go before losing power.

Halo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2004, 05:12:12 PM »

Why in the world would something like this be launched from a submarine, particularly a submerged one?

boxboy28 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 10, 2004, 05:14:33 PM »

well one it gets to the speed the want it souldnt slow down ..... being space and the vacuum it should keep going at what ever speed they think is fast enough! the thing about this test is its the "1st attemp at a controlled solar sail"

john9001 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 10, 2004, 05:49:18 PM »

i'm amazed the russians still have subs that work.

AKIron · « **Reply #11 on:** November 10, 2004, 06:09:55 PM »

Actually it will slow down, space dust, gravity and all. May be by an insignificantly small amount though. I was just wondering if this presented real potential for interstellar travel.

Otto · « **Reply #12 on:** November 10, 2004, 06:18:59 PM »

Because solar sails continue accelerating, they could reach distant targets in amazing times.

It's never going to go faster than the Speed of Light. If it could equal the SOL, it would reach our nearest star in 4.3 years. (And there's nothing there of interest) So I guess 'amazing' is in the eye of the beholder.

In any event, I wish them all the luck.

(The submarine launch is a little strange. Not sure I understand that....)

Lizking · « **Reply #13 on:** November 10, 2004, 06:30:37 PM »

This solar kite will fail, on purpose. There is not one reason to fire an extra-orbital missile from an undersea platform. Just to say you can is not enough. Therefore, the real mission is to simulate launching a LEOsat at sea. They could just tell us that, really, it is OK.

Lizking · « **Reply #14 on:** November 10, 2004, 06:46:12 PM »

What he said.