Space Surfing - Propulsion and Braking In Space Applications

From the beginning when man took his first tentative steps into outerspace, space propulsion has remained largely the same. Even with the incremental advances in the efficiency of chemical fuels and O rings, the basic nature of rocketry is still defined by the basic Delta V Rocket Equation with all its limitations; be it the powerful boosters used to obtain orbital velocity or the low impulse Ion Thrusters used to power deep space missions. This backward approach to propulsion limits both the potential flight parameters of deep space missions and the life span of earth orbiting satellites in a wide range of applications.

The electronics and gasket seals of the satellite may last indefinitely in earth orbiting satellites; the useable lifespan of that satellite is limited by the availability of on-board propellants used for orbital maintenance. Under normal operating environments, a space vehicle's components, such as its rubber o-rings and silicone seals can go on and on. It is only once the chemical propellant is exhausted, when the satellite no longer has the capability of maintaining a station properly. This is where electro-magnetic propulsion and electro-dynamic braking comes in.

Chemical propellants allow the International Space Station to offset orbital decay. The need and use of these chemical propellants increases the potential for catastrophic accident, increases the cost of operational maintenance, and requires the commitment of launch capacity for that purpose. Interplanetary and deep space missions face similar limitations inherent to dependence on chemical propellants for propulsion.

Obtainable velocities, launch windows, and other flight parameters remain severely limited by dependence upon the same Newtonian Propulsion methods used by the ancient Chinese to power their rudimentary rockets, despite the fact that gravitational assist has been a regular tool used in both navigation and imparting changes in specific orbital energy. Even Ion Propulsion, which uses electro-magnetic acceleration of the ion fuel to achieve impulse, is still a type of Newtonian Propulsion where the total energy imparted is limited by exhaust velocity and total available fuel mass as defined by the basic rocket equation. Newtonian Propulsion may have gotten us to earth orbit and beyond; but it will be Electro-magnetic propulsion that will carry us to the stars. In the mean time, its development will allow us to achieve flight parameters previously unattainable with only chemical propellants as the means of space propulsion.

Both Electro-magnetic Propulsion and it's inverse, Electro-dynamic Braking, when combined with the now and near term future technologies related to super conductivity, dielectric capacitance, and other related technologies; will introduce a new paradigm in space propulsion and the space program as a whole. For additional information, visit www.real-seal.com/ at 1971 Don Lee Place, Escondido, CA 92029 to learn more.

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