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 ")
Mechazilla Arms Catch A Falling Starship, But Check Out SF Landing-ARMS
'...the rocket’s landing-arms automatically unfolded.' - Edmond Hamilton, 1931
Solar-Powered Space Trains On The Moon
'The low-slung monorail car, straddling its single track, bored through the shadows on a slowly rising course.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1955.
JWST Finds Bucking Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1
'... the glittering little rocket bolted to the black iron behind him.' - Jack Williamson, 1933.
First Trips To Mars Announced By Elon Musk
'I had determined that my first attempt should be a visit to Mars.' Percy Greg, 1880.
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
Mechazilla Arms Catch A Falling Starship, But Check Out SF Landing-ARMS
'...the rocket’s landing-arms automatically unfolded.'
A System To Defeat AI Face Recognition
'...points and patches of light... sliding all over their faces in a programmed manner that had been designed to foil facial recognition systems.'
Robot Hand Separate From Robot
'The crawling, exploring object was V-Stephen's surgeon-hand...'
Hybrid Wind Solar Devices
'...the combined Wind-Suncatcher, like a spray of tulips mounted fanwise.'
Is Optimus Autonomous Or Teleoperated?
'I went to the control room where the three other men were manipulating their mechanical men.'
Robot Masseuse Rubs People The Right Way
'The automatic massager began to fumble gently...'
Solar-Powered Space Trains On The Moon
'The low-slung monorail car, straddling its single track, bored through the shadows on a slowly rising course.'
Drone Deliveries Instead Of Waiters In Restaurants?
'It was a smooth ovoid floating a few inches from the floor...'
Optimus Robot Can Charge Itself
'... he thrust in his charging arm to replenish his store of energy.'
Skip Movewear Arc'teryx AI Pants
'...the terrible Jovian gravity that made each movement an effort.'
'Robovan' Name Already Taken - Elon, Try These
There are alternative names that are probably in the public domain by now.
How Old Are Tesla Designs?
You be the judge.
Is Your Autonomous Tractor Safe?
'The field-minder finished turning the top-soil of a two-thousand-acre field.'
Smart TVs Are Listening!
'You had to live -- did live, from habit that became instinct -- in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard...'
Police Drones In China Would Like To Have A Word With You
''OVERRIDE,' the City Fathers said suddenly, without being asked anything at all.'
Oh Great (Part 2), Fence-Climbing Robots
Please, no stingers.
