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Space Propulsion
April 18, 2012 at 9:24 pm
I had originally posted this in the Space Travel Vs. Creator thread but it is somewhat off topic so I figured I'd make me own thread.
NASA seems to have settled on using a plasma engine as early as 2013. They plan to use this to shuttle humans to and from Mars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrc-fP_EqF8
Also, does anyone think Warp Drives are feasible? It seems like it could work, in theory.
http://aerorocket.com/WarpMetrics.html
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 18, 2012 at 9:42 pm
(This post was last modified: April 18, 2012 at 9:43 pm by Paul the Human.)
I want to clarify that, in the other thread, when I said said that exploring our own solar system is a waste of time, I was exaggerating. Of course there is plenty to discover in our own back yard. My point is that I wish deep space propulsion research would get more funding, as I think it would change everything. I also think that, until we improve our current propulsion systems, we can't really accomplish much, even in the same neighborhood.
That being said, I am excited by the strides that have been made so far. Unfortunately true speed won't even be possible with a manned vessel until they invent dampening fields. Heh!
I'd like to think that 'warp drives', so to speak, will be possible some day, but first we have to figure out a bit more about the structure of the universe itself.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 18, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Quote:but first we have to figure out a bit more about the structure of the universe itself.
Goddidit....just ask one of our resident nutbags.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 18, 2012 at 10:02 pm
(This post was last modified: April 18, 2012 at 10:03 pm by Reforged.)
(April 18, 2012 at 9:47 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Quote:but first we have to figure out a bit more about the structure of the universe itself.
Goddidit....just ask one of our resident nutbags.
I would like to apologize to all Theists on behalf of Minimalist for this deeply offensive statement.
We of course carefully consider the opinion of all nutbags and would gladly welcome a five hour lecture on how space travel is a waste of time because it would only confirm Gods existence when we found him in the far reaches of space stroking his beard.
We would however ask that you continue to change the font size to 50 and make it a bright color as our attention spans are evidently too short to read normal sized writing.
Thanks for your understanding. :-)
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 6:44 am
(April 18, 2012 at 9:42 pm)Paul the Human Wrote: I want to clarify that, in the other thread, when I said said that exploring our own solar system is a waste of time, I was exaggerating. Of course there is plenty to discover in our own back yard. My point is that I wish deep space propulsion research would get more funding, as I think it would change everything. I also think that, until we improve our current propulsion systems, we can't really accomplish much, even in the same neighborhood.
That being said, I am excited by the strides that have been made so far. Unfortunately true speed won't even be possible with a manned vessel until they invent dampening fields. Heh!
I'd like to think that 'warp drives', so to speak, will be possible some day, but first we have to figure out a bit more about the structure of the universe itself.
Yes, and the current model relies on "negative energy" which is of quantum theory.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 2:13 pm
(This post was last modified: April 19, 2012 at 2:14 pm by Welsh cake.)
Problem is, I think the laws of physics, the vast (and increasing) distance between us and our stellar neighbours in the cosmos, and our finite lifespans may stump man's attempts at deep space exploration every time.
It maybe a futile venture, but to persist boldly in the face of insurmountable challenges is what makes us human, and how we've achieved anything worthwhile to begin with.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 2:27 pm
(April 19, 2012 at 2:13 pm)Welsh cake Wrote: Problem is, I think the laws of physics, the vast (and increasing) distance between us and our stellar neighbours in the cosmos, and our finite lifespans may stump man's attempts at deep space exploration every time.
It maybe a futile venture, but to persist boldly in the face of insurmountable challenges is what makes us human, and how we've achieved anything worthwhile to begin with.
If we could get a warp drive to work we could cover extremely long distances rather quickly.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Creating a warp drive is going to require a major break through in our understanding of the structure of the universe/reality. It would be difficult to 'warp' time/space without an understand of what we are actually 'warping'.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 2:30 pm
(April 19, 2012 at 2:29 pm)Paul the Human Wrote: Creating a warp drive is going to require a major break through in our understanding of the structure of the universe/reality. It would be difficult to 'warp' time/space without an understand of what we are actually 'warping'.
Yeah, but it seems we have a good idea on how it would work. We just have no idea how to go about it lol.
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RE: Space Propulsion
April 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm
(April 19, 2012 at 2:27 pm)Mosrhun Wrote: If we could get a warp drive to work we could cover extremely long distances rather quickly. Regrettably that is still the stuff of science fiction.
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