Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Gravity detecting satilllite with ion drive

Options
  • 09-04-2009 1:57am
    #1
    lostexpectation
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,082 ✭✭✭


    futuristic as ****
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7986406.stm

    Satellite carries two engines; one is back-up in case of failure
    T5 unit draws power from solar panels on side of spacecraft
    Electrons are stripped off xenon atoms to give them charge
    An electric field then hurls the xenon ions through rear nozzle
    Xenon exits at speeds in excess of 40,000m/s to provide thrust
    Amount of thrust is moderated by gradiometer information


    glad this got up their unlike the climate satellite that didn't make it.

    who said space is waste of money
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7945170.stm
    Goce will map the subtle variations in Earth's gravity field
    Smos (above) will study ocean salinity and soil moisture
    Cryosat-2 is designed to map the Earth's ice cover
    Aeolus will use an innovative laser to measure winds
    Swarm is a trio of satellites to map the Earth's magnetism
    Earthcare will examine the formation and effects of clouds
    A.N.Other will emerge from a current selection competition


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Kevster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭Kevster


    lostexpectation wrote: »
    glad this got up their unlike the climate satellite that didn't make it.
    Definately, but the other one was more important I believe. It would have really improved our knowledge on CO2 emissions and would have added huge weight to the Global Warming 'theory'.


Advertisement