Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Rag Tag Space Fleets Line Up With Magnetism
Space craft that need to fly in formation could use superconducting magnets rather than using reaction mass. Two groups of researchers are working on technology that could replace old-fashioned thrusters, which use jets of gas and Newton's Third Law.
This video shows how spacecraft with electromagnets can fly in formation.
(Spacecraft fly in formation with electromagnets)
The problem with using thrusters is that the reaction mass is ejected to provide the effect; spacecraft can carry only a limited amount of material into orbit. Once the reaction mass is gone, the craft is left without a means of maneuvering.
David Miller of MIT's Space Systems Laboratory is testing the idea using devices that float on a glass plate by blowing air down onto it to simulate the weightlessness of space. Watch this demonstration video.
(Lab demonstration shows how magnetism can orient spacecraft)
In spacecraft, arrays of solar cells would provide power for electromagnets.
This method is not without problems; strong magnetic fields could disrupt delicate electronic equipment. However, shielding can be used in most cases; also, small secondary electromagnets could be used to cancel the main field in small areas.
This technique could run into problems in Earth orbit; the Earth's powerful magnetic field would pull on the magnets, causing spacecraft to begin spinning. However, a group led by Shin-ichiro Sakai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) thinks this problem could be solved by switching the polarity of the magnets several times per minute, achieving a delicate balance.
(The original rag tag fleet from Battlestar Galactica's first season)
We all remember how fleets of spacecraft are shown "parked" in formation; this technology could provide a way for spacecraft to fly in formation without expending fuel needed for maneuvering.
Via Magnets help spacecraft stick together; thanks to Moira for pointing this item out and mentioning some sf connections.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/7/2008)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Space Tech ")
SpaceX Wants A Moonbase Alpha
'And he had been sent with troops, supplies and bombs to command Russia's most trusted post, the Moonbase.' - L. Ron Hubbard, 1948.
NASA Wants Self-Driving Or Remote-Controlled Vehicles For Lunar Astronauts
'THE autobus turned silently down the wide street of Hydropole. Robot-guided, insulated from noise and cold...'
Orbital Mechanics, The Liftoff, The Turnover, The Retrograde Burn
'...the huge vessel had spun, with a sickening lurch, through a complete half-circle, the instant the power was reversed.' - EE 'Doc' Smith, 1928.
Can A Human Land A SpaceX Rocket On Its Tail?
'If she starts to roll sideways — blooey! The underjets only hold you up when they’re pointing down, you know.' - Stanley G. Weinbaum, 1936.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
SpaceX Wants A Moonbase Alpha
'And he had been sent with troops, supplies and bombs to command Russia's most trusted post, the Moonbase.'
Vast Apartment Living Will Get Even More Vast
'What is your population', I asked. 'About eighty millions.'
NASA Wants Self-Driving Or Remote-Controlled Vehicles For Lunar Astronauts
'THE autobus turned silently down the wide street of Hydropole. Robot-guided, insulated from noise and cold...'
Elon Musk Says Robotaxis Will Be Ready This August, 2024
'The car had no steering wheel, and no one drove!'
Moonwalkers AI-Controlled Electric Shoes
Now that's power walking that Hugo Gernsback would have approved.
Steve Jobs: 'Capture The Next Aristotle - With AI'
'It was disturbing to think of the Flatline as a construct...'
No Tips! Robotic Food Delivery In Phoenix
'...he rewired the delivery robot so that it would serve him midnight snacks.'
Electric Catamaran 'Explorer Eco 40m' Has 'Solar Skin'
'On went the electric-yacht faster and still faster.'
Orbital Mechanics, The Liftoff, The Turnover, The Retrograde Burn
'...the huge vessel had spun, with a sickening lurch, through a complete half-circle, the instant the power was reversed.'
Harvest Power From Tears And Blinking With Smart Contact Lens
'...he realized that it was not quite a clear lens. Speckles of colored brightness swirled and gathered in it.'
Europa Clipper Plate Carries A Special Message
'...a universal cryptogram — yet it is one which can be interpreted by any intelligent creature on any planet in the Solar System!'
Micro-Robots Are Smallest, Fully Functional
'With a whir, the Scarab shot from the concealing shadows of the corner where it had hidden itself.'
AI Enhances Images Your Brain Sees
'I could have sworn the psychomat showed pictures almost as sharp and detailed as reality itself'
Illustrating Classic Heinlein With AI
'Stasis, cold sleep, hibernation, hypothermia, reduced metabolism, call it what you will - the logistics-medicine research teams had found a way to stack people like cordwood and use them when needed.'
Deflector Plasma Screen For Drones ala Star Wars
'If the enemy persists in attacking or even intensifies their power, the density of the plasma in space will suddenly increase, causing it to reflect most of the incoming energy like a mirror.'
DIY Robotic Hand Made After Loss Of Fingers
'I made them... with the fine work of the watchmaker...'
