Real World Space Travel by Dewrastler

DEWRASTLER'S BLOG

Dewrastler

Real World Space Travel
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

First off, I am by no means a rocket scientists. But, I was thinking about space travel in general and what I believe would an effective way to travel within our solar system.

The problem I see is acceleration. It would take too much fuel, even in the vacuum of space. What I propose is this, Maglev trains in space. Once in space, these would require no fuel. They would only require energy which could be provided by nuclear power. These trains can accelerate to about 4000 mph. Considering that Mars is 36 million miles away one could reach the planet in about 375 days.
(36,000,000 miles/40000 mph = 9000 hours = 375 days)

This would be just like sling shotting a space ship towards its final destination.

A problem I do see in this plan is that in order to prevent this from being one way trip is that the final destination would need a Maglev set up in order for the team of travelers to return.

Any thoughts?

COMMENTS

Thursday, April 23, 2009 5:34 PM

FOSTER

The equal and opposite law applies. The "rails" would shoot off in the opposite direction of the "train". Maglev trains rely on gravity to keep the trains from popping off the tracks because of the opposing force of the magnets. So when you turn on the electro magnets in space the rails and train would immediately start off in opposite directions, so the resistance that maglev's use to build up speed would not be possible in a 0g environment.

Thursday, April 23, 2009 12:59 AM

DEWRASTLER

There would be tracks of a certain length set up in orbit. Once the shuttle reaches a certain velocity it should be able to maintain that velocity in space because there is no force to oppose its motion.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 5:10 PM

ANGELLEMARCS

And the tracks?! Unlike the shuttles, the trains wun by signals in the tracks...at least I think so, but other wise, not a bad idea.....

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