New System Propels Satellites Without Propellants 85
cylonlover writes "Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are testing a new propulsion system ... inside the station. While this might seem like the height of recklessness, this particular system doesn't use rockets or propellants. Developed in the University of Maryland's Space Power and Propulsion Laboratory, this new electromagnetic propulsion technology called the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System (RINGS) uses magnetic fields to move spacecraft as a way to increase service life and make satellite formation flying more practical."
Phew! (Score:5, Funny)
"While this might seem like the height of recklessness, this particular system doesn't use rockets or propellants" ... just magnetic fields, so that's ok then, good think there's no electronic equipment up there or anything!
(I'm sure they know what they're doing, it's just that the summary seemed retarded.)
Old news (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Phew! (Score:5, Funny)
As an expert at Kerbal Space Program, I can say for sure that using such a system will result in crashing into the nearest moon. As does everything.
Re:Phew! (Score:5, Funny)
As a KSP player, I'm impressed that you manage to get all of your craft out of the atmosphere without destroying themselves. Hell, some of mine collapse on the launch pad.