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Mini-Mag Orion Will Reach for the Stars Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Sarah Gingichashvili Home >> News >> Space   
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Andrews Space & Technology (AS&T) introduced an innovative propulsion system that could significantly shorten round trips from Earth to Mars (from two years to only six months!) and enable our spaceships to reach Jupiter after one year of space traveling. The system, which may dramatically affect interplanetary space travel is called the Miniature Magnetic Orion (Mini-Mag Orion for short), and is an optimization of the 1958 Orion interplanetary propulsion concept.
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Due to the magnetic compression thrust technology, spacecraft could be smaller and lighter. The spacecraft itself will only have to carry a relatively small amount of fissionable material as fuel and will be able to reach speeds of approximately 10% of the speed of light. Dr. Dana Andrews, AS&T Chief Technology Officer and Mini-Mag Orion inventor, and Roger Lenard from the Sandia National Laboratories, have published a paper describing their research into the Mini-Mag Orion concept in the Acta Astronautica – Journal of the International Academy of Astronautics. In the framework of their research into the subject, the scientists conducted an experiment that tested the process of compressing a simulated fissile material in a magnetic field. "The experiment validated the physical process behind the MMO concept, substantiating MMO's potential of enabling shorter interplanetary trip time for near-term space travel" - said AS&T Principal Investigator Ralph Ewig. "We are still far from constructing an actual vehicle, but the present research will chart the course for human missions to other planets in the near future. The Mini-Mag Orion system shows significant promise, and the successful completion of our experiment demonstrated the physics and validated our approach for a near-term, in-space, advanced propulsion system," said Dr. Andrews. The MMO study has been funded by the NASA Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and was conducted in cooperation with Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Washington’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
In 2006, TFOT covered a different revolutionary space propulsion technology developed by the Santa Fe Positronics Research Company. The company also worked with NASA on a concept for an anti matter engine, which uses positrons (anti-electrons) as a fuel that will enable a spaceship to reach Mars faster than any known conventional propulsion technology. |
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Can't wait for this to be so popular that the next travelers get to enjoy the exhaust of the last travelers. And I also can't wait for the first airborne failure of a launch vehicle. Just sounds like a brilliantly bad idea. |
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Still waiting for the ION drive... And for those concerned about pollution, don't you have a tree to grope somewhere. |
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| For those concerned about pollution, a spacecraft powered by this fuel source would not be launched from a ground station but from orbit... | |||
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there was news about how laser propulsion is now ready to shorten trips to mars into just under a week. You can read about it in http://dialog.newsedge.com/newsedge.asp?site=2006121916143901110346&bl ock =folderstory&briefs=off&action=XMLStoryResult&smd=true&storyid=p0 906509.2 rw&rtcrdata=off I'm quite sure that this other technology will also prove it's benefits in space cargo etc, mut on a manned mission to mars, the time to get there and back is too critical. |
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Can't wait for teleportation ... http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/08/19/0557252 |
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| Dont pollute space with fissile material dropped out of the back of spacecraft a piece could fall on you! | |||
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REad Goerge Dysons account of the original ORION. Lauched from orbit the stats apparently worked out that one person in the world somewhere and untracably would die for each from orbit orion launch. Questions: What is acceptable cost? (brigde and dam builders in the 50's often expected a higher casualty rate than this) blah blah. 2: how much less fissionable material and how does this risk compare to background radiation in space and shielding? Numbers people. |
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| I believe that colonizing other planets is the most important thing any human could accomplish. Earth is a finite resource, and if we get out into space, Earth may die, but human kind will live on. Yes there are problems on Earth, and there always will be. This is an awesome reworking of an already stellar method of getting warm bodies out among the planets, and maybe, given a big enough craft, out among the stars. | |||
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| Ammm ... what pollution, it\'s space out there, everything is moving. It\'s not like a path in the forest. Space is so big our affect is like a scratch on a grain of sand on planet earth. Then next point is even if we do cross that path a day later the radiation is a minuscule component to what we protect our selves from in space. Thrust guys, it\'s like your worried you will fry if you fly in the same atmosphere than the shuttle took off in. And that is 1000 times worse | |||
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| Sorry to rain on the parade of the space environmentalists. If you think that the gamma radiation created from one (or a thousand) of these space craft, the hazards from these craft is nothing compared to the hazards coming from our sun. The sun emits such a large amount of ionizing radiation (gamma rays) that as of now there is concern as to weather a mars mission is even possible - without the crew dieing from radiation poisoning. | |||
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| Eh hmmm... why don't they put up exactly what they're working on. | |||
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| I hope they do this properly. That way, it can become the first true and ideally permanent spaceship. I'd expect the engine to be built to last, and to be reused for trips to the moon, mars and beyond. | |||
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[Just sounds like a brilliantly bad idea] Yeah, we won't want fission or fusion explosions in space ... duh! |
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"[Just sounds like a brilliantly bad idea] Yeah, we won't want fission or fusion explosions in space ... duh!" I really, really hope that is sarcasm as that is what happens everyday in the universe. Stars are constantly being birthed and falling victim to their own inevitable demise by way of massive explosions resulting in immense amounts of ionized particles and gamma rays. Not to mention we all know that black holes and quasars are emitting more radiation than anything else we've observed! I don't think we have to worry about radiation pollution. As it was stated prior, the universe is full of it, and that won't change, in fact if we could unfold space/time to get to the bottom of the vast amount of energy in every cubic millimeter of vacuum space we'll never need another energy source. |
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We can pollute the earth and the orbit around it. We can NOT pollute the space. It is not in our abilities and never will be. The universe is large and we are nothing. Only people without a basic notion of astronomy can think that. Go and study a bit what the universe is... |
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[I really, really hope that is sarcasm as that is what happens everyday in the universe.] Yes, it is. I just can't get enough of the "anti-nuke in space" and "don't dirty the universe" crew. Certainly we can taint the space around a world (gravity and all) but to suggest we can effect the radioactive backdop of the Universe with a few fission, fusion, or even matter/anti-matter reactions is just, well, out there... |
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| What with all the protons the sun emits in the solar wind, high energy cosmic rays etc, and so on and so forth, I tend to think there would be lingering exhaust plumes from previous flights that would be *more* dangerous. Space is *filled* with radiation, after all. | |||
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| This SBIR was submitted a while ago, like 4-5 yrs ago if I'm not mistaken, so yes many new technologies have come out that could be better. Laser technology is one. That's how it goes. But its still a step forward which is what is the most important part of this project. And besides it can have full autonomy way past the usable range of a laser thats earth bound and then you have the line of sight issue, same with communications. | |||
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| What with all the protons the sun emits in the solar wind, high energy cosmic rays etc, and so on and so forth, I tend to think there would be lingering exhaust plumes from previous flights that would be *more* dangerous. Space is *filled* with radiation, after all. | |||
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The use of magnetic compression thrust technology is an interesting however I wonder why materials published so far don't mention anything about residual radiation and it's duration. Does anyone have any ideas where to look? |
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| I think pollution here refers more to very high velocity projectiles resulting from this propulsion. Not much unlike the amount of high velocity crap orbiting earth as a result of all space missions so far. Even if the space is big, if the space activity ever gets popular, statistically accidents will happen, especially if the optimal travel paths are narrow. | |||
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| Actually, disregard my previous post. Didn't read the text closely enough. If the pellets are indeed exploded and results in plasma emission, there wont be any projectiles to speak of, as the plasma will disperse very quickly when in space. | |||
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| Ion drive already exists. Learn to research. It is used extensively on satelites already in orbit. And about the pollution/'exhaust' ... what Giorgis said. | |||
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Shatner, we have ion drives already. There were first used on the Pioneer spacecraft. this is an interesting proposal. You could conceivably add multiple rockets to attain higher speeds. |
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An inertial confinement version of this, using linear accelerators to collide the pellets. For higher thrust, inject water vapor from water tanks - instant plasma mass increase. VASMiR is great, except that you spend 3 months in the van Allan belts. This is not good for humans, nor, presumably, for electronics. VASMiR plus something like this or my own proposal from before the WWW, or the Bussard-Farnsworth fusion reactor, would be very nice. The laser system has nice trip times and ISP, but will the beam diverge enough to not be a lethal hazard at multiple astronomical units? At least to telescope sensors? Projectiles someone mentions? These would be highly ionized atoms, not pellets. . .The magnetic nozzle protects the spacecraft from much of the radiation. Air and water are excellent insulators, and can be used as reaction mass for when you want more thrust and don't need the maximum ISP - for example, getting through the van Allan belts. |
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| Yea, burning this in space won't be an eco disaster. the issue is getting the fission materials into orbit. Think Challenger with nuclear fallout. | |||
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| Okay, we've got energy from salt water, photonic propulsion and now a revamp of Orion. Can we stop the *&%#ing Iraq War and get into space already? | |||
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I suspect that the exhaust velocity will be greater than solar escape velocity. Meaning, it'll dispose of itself in the most complete and safe way one could possibly hope, steadily dispersing into interstellar space. (and no, the exhaust isn't going to be constantly pointed at Earth, either) |
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#1 - the sun does emit more radiation than we could ever hope to do ourselves. those who have stated this are correct. #2 - the rest of you morons are not even beginning to grapple w/ the big picture: there are lots of "projectiles" floating around in space. we can not have a vehicle travel at the 10% light speed w/ humans onboard w/o the vehicle being protected by some kind of shield. we don't need to shields to protect us from Klingons or Vogons, we need them to prevent the spacecraft hull from being ripped to shreds by some tiny particle moving towards us at insane speed while we are travelling towards it at 10% light speed. until this technology is developed the materials available to us on earth & the science of those materials will prevent us from sending a craft of this kind anywhere. you all watch too much TV. read a book. |
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@Steve Schaper Maybe I'm missing something here...why would it be necesary to spend 3 months in the Van Allen Belt? |
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for those of you worried about radiation, just take your shirt off outside for a couple of hours on a sunny day in July. That would really prove you are true morons. Without a release of the burden on this planet by mankind, we are doomed in 50-60 years to all die of radiation when the superpowers finally release their weapons of mass destruction to "get their share" of the dwindling natural resources of this planet. But I forget your morons so nothing a man of sense or reason says will change your minds. MOROS |
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This is exactly what we been looking for in a propulsion system for manned mission to the planets. It's a high thrust SSME level and high ISP system exactly what is needed for a manned mission to mars this is an enabling technology. As for radiation it makes very little also space already is very radioactive esp when the sun has a CME plus the always present GCR from super novas. Also the exhaust products leave the engine at solar escape velocity. As for anti nuclear views well no nuclear power in space you simply can't do any human missions beyond the moon or close NEOs. |
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another road block to finding one. When any bogus technology is floating in the public especially when it takes limited funding resources away from other possble more ingenious methods of space propulsion. Humanity looses. This technology is not self replenishing, ejects nuclear matter that is radioactive into space leaving a readioactive trail where ever it goes. Maybe this trail could be the Chisholm trail to Mars. Since radioactive half life could be hundreds or even thousands of years. I think the futue of man's safe interplanetary and interstellar travel wil be in jeopardy. I propose taking a look at a safer technology that can reach 10% lights and possbly beyond. http://nlspropulsion.net |
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| OH, yes indeed, the same NASA morons who gave us the shuttle and concomitant disasters, who want to shut down the HST, are now going to be in charge of an Atomic Spaceship. Hey, get a grip, anytime you put the Government in charge of ANYTHING they will screw it up. This very practical and exciting technology will be hosed by NASA and the lickspittles in Congre$$ before it is even off the drafting table. Get Real. | |||
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| It would be good, just not as good as the positron engine. To Mars and back in three months, gotta be faster then the 10% this thing can do. This this type should just be for like, mail delivery when we have colonies on other planets. | |||
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NASA sucks now. But thank the heavens for private space flight companies. |
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Large government funded organisations such as NASA need to start cutting through the red tape and construct "outposts" for orbits around other planets & moons. These outposts can contain storage for fuel, food, water, oxygen and perhaps spare parts. Unmanned loads can be sent to these outposts years in advance, perhaps even during planning stages of manned missions to outer space. This will mean less reliance on efficiency in the short term, burn more, for longer, get to mars or Io and refuel, burn hard and get home early. If your interested in a few concepts on deep space chartering email me at naz2421@hotmail.com Oh and for the greenies, if the west does not continue to invest in technology, other emerging economies will surely fill the void left behind. Surely I do not need to explain the consequences of what that would bring upon life as we know it. Please do not be naive regarding progress, you are likely in front of your computer reaping the fruits of your forefathers now. |
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| Pure wonderment. I can\'t wait until i\'m ravelling through space and can see the planets of our solar system. This just be the engine to do it. | |||
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| Its pretty clear that the full concept of what the Mini-Mag offers is not appreciated in all forums here. Thats cool. I love the Mini-mag as a type of nacel. a couple of these of a suacer section would make a pretty space craft i think. A constructed saucer section on the moon from remote stations there. A teradome or 2 for habitation with magnetic constrictors for artificial gravity. A saucer section that links up with a few properly placed Mini-Mags for propulsion and you can set out for the original star trek's warp factor 1. Shields are absolutely necessary to prevent gamma radiation and we will need enertial dampeners. An orbiting space station would be nice but we have one in the moon. Colonizing the moon is our best bet. It has no atmosphere and offers little protection from the sun but it does on the darkside and thats a good staging ground for intersolar system travel. As for laser travel...well...maybe its a good theroy but we haven't got anything to protect us. | |||
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| how about we invest our resources in perfecting trans-warp? or dabbling in a slip-stream drive. damn, we\'re never going to leave the alpha quadrant. | |||
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Im sorry but I feel there is a greater picture that all it seems here are ignoring. Its not the fact that space travel is and will be the destiny of the human race, but perhaps we are not looking at the "bigger picture" The greater question is not whether a viable space propulsion system is within our grasp but as the human race goes are we even ready for this leap? Think about it there are so many worried about pollution and the ramifications in space. Well any educated person can tell you that there is more radiation and pollution from stars and that WE THE HUMAN RACE are more a pollution threat than space is. But the truth is we are NOT ready for space travel, there is no great commitment to it, no national or internatonal agreements, and very little private interest. Inevitably space travel will happen but only when the human race commits itself AS A RACE!!! Not NASA not Microsoft or whoever, as a people venturing out forward with a common goal. |
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| So it would seem we aren't ready to explore our solar system or as Garrick puts it our alpha quadrant. lol. It can be discouraging to view our progress from the back of the room but there is more to ur space program than meets the eye. Yes, we are a species of waste product and space doesn't lend any help in that area but we are more than the sum of our parts. We have dreams and ambition and most notably a people of faith however misplaced it may seem at times. Keep in mind our goals for space travel are for a common good. It is through space travel afterall that we have come to understand our planet dynamics after all. Keep a faith in our finest minds and DAWN. Propulsion advances are miniscule compared to the grand scale asked of us but as humans we have to keep to a goal of betterment that we might not see in our life time but can pass on. There is honor and contribution in that. let us not forget the vision Gene Rodenberry has had. Its worthy and worth while. | |||
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..but dont we already have the Ion drive? Remember Deep Space 1? That mission was sweet! |
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| Finally! We can build a fleet of garbage scows to off-world everything we dislike, till we are twinkie-perfect. We can go to Saturn and bolo-plunge ice mountains from the rings into the Moon for water, bag the Moon 14lbs -just like home- by spinning clear plastic fabric from both poles\' air-locks, till they meet at the equator and are sealed. Sunlight does the rest, heating/melting the ice into atmosphere. Just clip on wings and fly around. Geriatric hospitals anyone? Christians could migrate offworld to the New Frontier, avoiding constant bigoted bashing by Self Validators, nervous about hearing proofs against random creation. The Book of Hebrews mention of \"worlds\" validates the Mission -and what is the penumbra emanating from the fact of gravity defying feet, anyway! If not spiritual eminant domain to go to the New Moon. Just another page in His Story, \"One small radioactive step for a man, one giant bleat for help to a kind, loving, patient, \'Make-it-all-good-again-Daddy\'\", later | |||
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"But the truth is we are NOT ready for space travel, there is no great commitment to it, no national or internatonal agreements, and very little private interest. Inevitably space travel will happen but only when the human race commits itself AS A RACE!!! Not NASA not Microsoft or whoever, as a people venturing out forward with a common goal." The sad part about that point of view---from my point of view is that an overwhelming concencus like that will not happen during the lifetime of our fair planet because there will always be those who have their own best interests at heart and will let the rest of humanity be damned before they change their view. Of course, this is their right no matter what country they come from. The bottom line is that we, as a species, need to worry about not only our ultimate survival but thriving far into the future; waiting for everyone to say "Yes, we should go and settle space" is more pie-in-the-sky than the realization of warp drive. |
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| To Garret Wang, I\'d like to remind him---if he\'s ever taken a basic physics course---that just strapping twenty or so of these MMO\'s to a ship\'s hull is NOT going to usher in an age of warp-driven ships. According to E=mc2, the closer you get to the speed of light, the more mass you\'ll gain; the more mass, the more power you need to propel your ship faster still. Of course, this is also NOT taking into account the mass of the MMO\'s themselves which increases the mass even more. Just because they MIGHT be ableto push a ship to 0.1c does NOT mean that firing up two or three dozen of them will get you warping across the galaxy. If you are truly interested in learning more about REAL FTL theory, enter the name Burkhard Heim and read about his VERY radical theories of hyperspace travel and a twelve-dimensional universe. If Heim\'s theory hold water---and there is at least SOME evidence it does---it could shake up the scientific community even more than Galileo ever did. | |||
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"..but dont we already have the Ion drive?" For some time now, but there have been some recent and signifigant advances there, too: http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/pro/pp/DS4G/background.htm http: //www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/pro/pp/DS4G/DS4G%20Test%20campaign.html http: //www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=3130 http://www.aiaa. org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_Mar06_IB.pdf http://esamu ltimedia.esa.int/docs/gsp/completed/C19255ExS.pdf |
