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Author Topic: Ion propulsion  (Read 181 times)

Offline Meatwad

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Ion propulsion
« on: December 15, 2006, 10:35:50 PM »
There seems to have been a few spacecraft using ion propulsion. Could this be used in earths atmosphere?
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Offline Chairboy

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Ion propulsion
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2006, 10:43:25 PM »
Ion propulsion as used in space is very high efficiency, but very low thrust.  It doesn't put out anywhere near enough power for use in earth's atmosphere, at least not yet.  Not by several orders of magnitude.
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Offline rpm

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Ion propulsion
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2006, 11:22:06 PM »
Snails would pass by the ion drive like they were running at Bonneville. Ion drive is a very low, but constant, thrust engine. It builds speed over time. Any drag at all would stop it dead in it's tracks.
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Offline Meatwad

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Ion propulsion
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2006, 11:22:47 PM »
Bummer :(
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