Mars in 39 day trip: Potential new propulsion for spacecraft - in development

[Meatwad]

link to one of the images of the VX-200 prototype VASLMR engine

http://chattahbox.com/images/2009/10/vasimr-system.jpg

Holy supersize, batman!

[Strip]

The Apollo engines were of limited duration but you made my point anyway even if I didnt state it loudly enough... The era of the original astronauts really being pioneers of space and requiring the 'right stuff' will return with this type of space craft.

I would venture to say the fourteen astronauts that died riding the Space Shuttle would disagree with you. Granted the Space Shuttle hasn't done much pioneering when compared to the Apollo program.

The 'right stuff' is required at all times in this line of work regardless though.....

Strip

[Chalenge]

Well now that we are approaching the retirement of the shuttles they are more dangerous anyway. But in the case you point out it was just stupid for them to go ahead with that launch. In hindsight no one would disagree. The VASIMR engine though will ALWAYS require nerves of steel and stones as big as a house.

[FYB]

Hopefully we can fix the acceleration of Global Warming. It's Earth's life cycle but we are speeding it up VERY fast.

[Motherland]

Hopefully we can fix the acceleration of Global Warming. It's Earth's life cycle but we are speeding it up VERY fast.

I'm looking at this post and your signature and it's saturated in irony right now.

[Denholm]

If the developer is who I think he is, the guy loves original Star Trek episodes.

[Strip]

Well now that we are approaching the retirement of the shuttles they are more dangerous anyway. But in the case you point out it was just stupid for them to go ahead with that launch. In hindsight no one would disagree. The VASIMR engine though will ALWAYS require nerves of steel and stones as big as a house.

What part of riding the Space Shuttle doesn't test your nerves and bravery at all times?

You realize how many critical systems are signed off as good enough? The first few missions had over 150 critical parts with known failure modes and deficiencies capable of ending the flight with a single failure.

Strip

[trax1]

I'm looking at this post and your signature and it's saturated in irony right now.

[4deck]

I'm looking at this post and your signature and it's saturated in irony right now.

True 

[Reaper90]

Hopefully we can fix the acceleration of Global Warming. It's Earth's life cycle but we are speeding it up VERY fast.

 

looking for the link to my facepalm picture..... 

[MORAY37]

its a real shame that the primary mission for NASA has been changed from space to proving global warming

Prove this statement....in a different thread though. 

Sweet take on an old idea with the ion drive.

[FYB]

Haters...