SETI bioastro: Vasimr 200KW almost flight ready in 2008 and the solar electric sail like a Dand

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Vasimr 200KW almost flight ready in 2008 and the solar electric sail like a
Dandelion seed

I will look at two near term space systems the Vasimr and the solar electric
sail. Both could provide a significant increase in the performance of
various space missions. Both have their advantages and would be welcome
improvements in the capabilities of space systems. Vasimr can go up to
higher power levels that are limited by the Vasimr system and the power
system. The Solar electric sail uses no propellant while the Vasimr is ten
times or more efficient than current chemical systems. Both could be in
space flight tests in the next year or three.

The 200 kilowatt VX200 Vasimr system is almost ready for flight tests and
the type of missions impacts it would have are discussed. The solar electric
sail system which I reviewed last week is discussed again. Comparison is
made to dandelion seeds and how the multiple parachute configuration could
be used to combine the propulsion of several solar electric sails to move
larger objects.

Full article here:

http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/04/vasimr-200kw-almost-flight-ready-in.html

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