Podcasts Science Decipher SciFi 2036 Origin Unknown: ion propulsion, dust storms, and how to speak Greek in orbit

2036 Origin Unknown: ion propulsion, dust storms, and how to speak Greek in orbit

Published: Jan. 22, 2019, 7:50 a.m.

Ion Drive \n\n

Compounding acceleration in the relative vacuum of space. Incredible efficiencies versus chemical rockets, and the very low force produced making it only appropriate once spaceborn. The differing problems solved by chemical rockets and ion drives. The benefit of ion drive once out of Earth\u2019s gravity well and going far away. Earth\u2019s tectonic plates, slowly building up to escape velocity. That beautiful blue glow. \u201cIonic wind\u201d aircraft in-atmosphere: a completely silent aircraft motor with no moving parts!

\n\n Landing in spaaaaace \n\n

Methods of landing on Mars: Aeroshells, parachutes, rockets, and balloons. Past examples. Different bodies in space and their particular atmospheric densities, atmospheric conditions, and gravitational acceleration.

\n\n Nuclear power solutions \n\n

Nuclear power vs solar cells. People\u2019s presumption of full-on nuclear reactors rather than the smaller and less-efficient radioisotope thermoelectric generators like on Curiosity. Wondering why we don\u2019t use tiny nuclear robots to blow the dust off of the solar robots. NASA, call us for more great ideas.

\n\n Dust storms \n\n

Martian dust storms. The low density and force of Martian dust storms, contrary to popular depictions. The visual impressiveness of huge Martian dust storms from space relative to actual effect. The (low) density of the Martian atmosphere and its make-up. How 60mph dust storms are are actually not that powerful: with low gravitational acceleration, static charge, it is very very easy it is to keep dust particles aloft.

\n\n Orbital centricity words \n\n

The revelation that \u201cgeocentric\u201d and \u201cgeostationary\u201d apply very specifically to only Earth and there are other words particular to the other major bodies in our solar system. All of the other centricity classifications, including Arecentric for Mars as in the film (though they don\u2019t use it).

\n\n Hypoxia \n\n

Hypoxia and inability to give detailed instructions to your AI on how to disperse the spirit of humanity into the universe.

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  1. \n\t\t\t\tHow Do Ion Engines Work? The Most Efficient Propulsion System Out There by Fraser Cain: YouTube\n\t\t\t
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  2. \n\t\t\t\tWhy You Should Put YOUR MASK On First (My Brain Without Oxygen) by Smarter Every Day: YouTube\n\t\t\t
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