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Once we have a real space industry I imagine there will be progress in areas like ion propulsion. You'll still need chemical rockets with >1 thrust/weight ratio
by api 9y ago
Once we have a real space industry I imagine there will be progress in areas like ion propulsion. You'll still need chemical rockets with >1 thrust/weight ratio to get off planetary bodies, but ion propulsion could be much better for long haul trips.
- greglindahl 9y agoWe've already had a lot of recent progress with ion propulsion. Not only are many satellites hybrid or all-electric, but NASA has launched several probes with a lot of maneuvering delta-v of ion thrusters.