'For me, this is the one thing that needs to be done for humans to go to Mars,' Franklin Chang-Díaz told Interesting Engineering in an interview.
It's an issue NASA has grappled with across numerous studies, and it's the reason why the Ad Astra Rocket Company is on a mission to drastically cut travel times to Mars.in an interview, "the technology is there, and what we're trying to do now is turn the package we have in a laboratory vacuum chamber into something that’s flight-worthy."The ultimate goal for Costa Rica and U.S.-basedis to make much faster, but also much safer, spaceflight possible.
Before it can send its plasma engine to deep space, however, Ad Astra will first have to test it in orbit. And it will likely have to start off powering its high-power electric Vasimr engine with sunlight for more local missions.of its Vasimr VX-200SS plasma rocket at 80 kW.
"I make the analogy of developing the diesel engine of space, [like for vehicles on Earth] that carry big rigs," he continued. "Nowadays, of course, diesel is not such a popular thing, but we need high-power, electric propulsion and that’s the niche we’re trying to fill."The next big step for Ad Astra would then be to utilize nuclear reactors that will generate electricity, not thrust, Chang-Díaz emphasized.
The space veteran would have loved to have gone to Mars. "In fact, when I first became an astronaut," he told. "We all thought we were at least going to go to the Moon, and that was 1980 — it was a long time ago." Now, thanks to his work with Ad Astra, he may help a new generation of astronauts to go far beyond the moon and into deep space.
That's why nuclear propulsion holds the key. "For me, this is the one thing that needs to be done for humans to go to Mars," Chang-Díaz said. "That is the homework that has not been done, that should have been done half a century ago. But it's not too late."The Ad Astra CEO's time in space had a great impact on his worldview and on the company, he decided to build after retiring from his NASA duties.
That life-altering experience played a large role in the work Chang-Díaz is now carrying out with Ad Astra. "I tell people that the most important system in a spacecraft for astronauts is the life support system," Chang-Díaz continued. "If that thing doesn’t work, you die. But we’re really messing up our life support system on Earth and don’t seem to be too worried about it in our daily lives.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Biden 'not prepared to protect' America against a war with China: Gordon ChangIs the U.S. in early stages of a war against China? Gatestone Institute Senior Fellow Gordon Chang says yes, and warns President Biden hasn't ensured national security.
Weiterlesen »
Franklin Jonas Is Ready to Re-Introduce HimselfThe youngest Jonas brother is finally carving out a 'vulnerable' path and chasing his own music dreams
Weiterlesen »
OSHA fines Mars Wrigley after workers fall into vat of chocolateFederal workplace safety authorities have fined a central Pennsylvania confectionery factory more than $14,500 following an accident last year in which two workers fell into a vat of chocolate.
Weiterlesen »
Mars Wrigley fined after workers fall into vat of chocolateFederal workplace safety authorities have fined a central Pennsylvania confectionary factory more than $14,500 following an accident last year in which two...
Weiterlesen »
Mars Wrigley fined by OSHA after workers fell into vat of chocolateMars Wrigley was fined by OSHA after two workers fell into a vat of chocolate last summer. The workers had to be freed by emergency responders.
Weiterlesen »
Mars Wrigley fined $14,500 after two workers fall into chocolate vatA factory in Elizabethtown, Penn. was hit with a $14,500 fine over a June 2022 incident in which two workers fell waist-deep into a chocolate tank.
Weiterlesen »