Is the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive the Key to Faster Space Travel?

In summary, the post was removed originally, there is no media coverage of this new engine, and there are no youtube videos about it either.
  • #1
darkdave3000
242
5
TL;DR Summary
Is it scientific?
My post was removed originally about a designed based on this new engine. I don't know what specific forum rule I broke, I read the entire thing. But I am posting a new threat to ask about the validity of this specific technology. I am asking because there seems to be zero media coverage of it and no youtube videos about it either. Is it scientific? Will it work?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-Stage_4-Grid
https://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/doc/PRO/ACT-RPR-PRO-IAC2006-DS4G-C4.4.7.pdf

Based on the numbers in wikipedia our long distance travel times have been solved. We can travel to the planets in a fraction of the time quoted by conventional engines now.

So my question is, what am I missing here? Is it just underated by coincidence?
 
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  • #2
darkdave3000 said:
TL;DR Summary: Is it scientific?

Is it scientific? Will it work?
darkdave3000 said:
TL;DR Summary: Is it scientific?

Based on the numbers in wikipedia our long distance travel times have been solved. We can travel to the planets in a fraction of the time quoted by conventional engines now.
Based on numbers in Wikipedia doesn't prove/demonstrate anything in terms of feasibility or viability, nor does it prove/demonstrate that 'we can travel to the planets in a fraction of the time'.

DS4G has been demonstrated. There are plenty of references. It would still need demonstration, e.g., delivering a payload to Mars orbit, and Jupiter. I would recommend sending unmanned craft to say Jupiter and Saturn, which could still take years - and then what. A round trip is way more complicated than one-way, and I'm not sure how many folks are ready for a decades-long trip. Deterioration of the human body would be significant. Up to now, NASA has used gravity assist to get spacecraft far out to Jupiter, Saturn and the outer planets.

This is an aerospace engineering topic, not an astronomy/astrophysics topic.
 
  • #3
Do you want me to move this to an engineering part of the forum then? I thought it's astronomy because it's about space flight.

Well in my original thread that got deleted I did all the specific impulse and one way two way trip numbers. It showed that based on the performance numbers it can get us to Mars in 3 weeks and Titan in 7 months.

[Link deleted by the Mentors]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
  • #5
darkdave3000 said:
TL;DR Summary: Is it scientific?

My post was removed originally about a designed based on this new engine. I don't know what specific forum rule I broke
This was not a good start to that previous thread of yours:
I would like to invite you to peer review my idea.

We do not conduct peer review here at PF on new work, and especially on new work that you want to publish at your own website.

The Mentors will review this new thread of yours to see if it can continue in some form. Give us a bit of time...
 
  • #6
Update -- please be sure to publish your ideas in acceptable peer-reviewed journals before trying to discuss them here. Thank you, this thread is done.
 

FAQ: Is the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive the Key to Faster Space Travel?

What is a Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive?

A Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive is an advanced form of ion propulsion system that uses electric fields to accelerate ions to high velocities, producing thrust. It consists of two stages: the first stage ionizes the propellant, and the second stage accelerates the ions through a series of grids, resulting in higher efficiency and greater thrust compared to traditional ion drives.

How does the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive compare to conventional chemical rockets?

Conventional chemical rockets produce thrust through the combustion of propellant, resulting in high thrust but low efficiency. In contrast, the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive produces thrust by accelerating ions electrically, which is much more efficient. However, ion drives generate lower thrust compared to chemical rockets, making them more suitable for long-duration missions rather than rapid launches from Earth.

What are the advantages of using a Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive for space travel?

The primary advantages of using a Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive include higher efficiency, longer operational life, and the ability to achieve higher speeds over time. This makes it ideal for deep space missions, where fuel efficiency and long-term reliability are crucial. Additionally, the ability to continuously accelerate can significantly reduce travel time to distant planets and celestial bodies.

Are there any challenges associated with the implementation of Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drives?

Yes, there are several challenges associated with implementing Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drives. These include the need for a reliable power source, the complexity of the grid design, potential erosion of the grids over time, and the relatively low thrust produced, which limits its use for missions requiring rapid acceleration. Overcoming these challenges requires ongoing research and development.

Is the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive currently being used in space missions?

As of now, the Dual-Stage 4 Grid Ion Drive is still in the experimental and development stages. While ion propulsion systems have been successfully used in missions like the Dawn spacecraft, the Dual-Stage 4 Grid variant is being tested to validate its performance and reliability. It holds promise for future missions, particularly those aimed at deep space exploration.

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