The country is betting big on electric spacecraft propulsion.
, is powered by four ion thrusters that use electricity to accelerate ions as a form of propulsion. In fact, the module could soon become the first spacecraft in history to transport humans using the technology, according toIon drives are orders of magnitude more efficient compared to chemical propulsion. To keep the International Space Station in orbit for a year, the thrusters consume four tons of rocket fuel.
But scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences may have cracked the code. One of its ion drives currently in development has been burning for more than 11 months straight, according to the newspaper. A magnetic field makes sure the particles don't create any damage or erode the engine, while a special ceramic material stops it from getting damaged by radiation.. "A typical mission involves hundreds or even thousands of individuals. But the competition in space is essentially a competition over some very small but extremely important details."READ MORE:
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
ISS astronaut's photos capture a wonderful world | Digital TrendsInspired by Louis Armstrong’s 1967 classic, an ISS astronaut recently posted four sublime Earth images alongside lyrics from the legendary track.
Leer más »
'Moonwalking' spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis III mission will be built by Axiom SpaceThe company is also looking to build a commercial space station.
Leer más »
China Approves Three Moon Missions After Discovering Mineral That Could Be Energy SourceThe space race may just have heated up amid China's reported discovery of a new lunar mineral that could possibly be used as an energy source.
Leer más »
University of Houston Law Center opens new $93M building with range of amenitiesWhen University of Houston Law Center students arrived for classes in August, they were greeted by a brand new, $93-million dollar campus.
Leer más »