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:
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