Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

True Blue Door

(2,969 posts)
10. It will not take any theoretical revolution.
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 09:37 AM
Oct 2014

Current technology allows roughly 9-month transits every 2 years or so when orbits align. You need heavy shielding when you leave the Earth's magnetosphere, but that's not a problem if you radically reduce the cost per kilogram of spaceflight (as I've said SpaceX is on the verge of doing). Also not as big a deal if you have propellant depots already in space. Trust me - the numbers have been worked out by smarter people than I.

But next technological steps are on the horizon that would allow for much more frequent trips with transit times of about five weeks: VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulsive Magnetoplasma Rocket). Testbeds already exist, and a scale demonstrator thruster will be tested on the space station next year if I'm not mistaken.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_Specific_Impulse_Magnetoplasma_Rocket

For manned interplanetary travel, VASIMR would need a large space-rated nuclear reactor considerably larger than have yet been deployed, but not to any absurd degree. And certainly within range if this happens:

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/531836/does-lockheed-martin-really-have-a-breakthrough-fusion-machine/



Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Science»China's Chang'e 5 lunar t...»Reply #10