5 ms·

So... you're saying all we need to do is pull an extension cord behind our spacecraft? Unlimited powahhh!

• chris_wot 10y ago
  Sort of like an electric mower with a power cord?
  • snissn 10y ago
    A mower has wheels against the ground that create the force for its propulsion, in space, there's no grass, man!
    • chris_wot 10y ago
      Are you saying there is no grass anywhere else in the universe?
• jerf 10y ago
  That's basically the thinking behind the laser-propulsion plan. The rocket equation gets a lot less hostile when the engine is not mounted on the rocket, but that has its own practical issues. Less than trying to drag a literal cord, of course.
  • neutronicus 10y ago
    Just building a kilometer-wide lens to keep it focused and a several-Terawatt power source. Space travel. Shit's hard.
  • jerf 10y ago
    (Six hours later correction: I should have said when the fuel is not in the vehicle.)
• jsprogrammer 10y ago
  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrodynamic_tether https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrodynamic_tether