space gates: repurposing the mini-magnetosphereic plasma propulsion system as a mass driver
- Paper number
IAC-15,C4,IP,1,x27840
- Author
Mr. Zachary Riffle, United States
- Year
2015
- Abstract
The Author will investigate the Mini-Magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion System, developed by Dr. Robert Winglee of the University of Washington and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to determine the possibility for use as a Space-age catapult. The intent is to show the feasibility of the M2P2 system as a Launch system by first discussing the current architecture and the possible configuration that could be used to support future missions. The M2P2 system creates a small magnetic field similar to Earth's magnetosphere to act as protect for the crew members against the harmful radiation in the space environment and will double as a magnetic solar sail for propulsion. This is accomplished by ejecting plasma around the spacecraft and creating a magnetic field that excites the plasma and increases it's effectiveness. By using the same technology on a stable orbital platform, a mass driver system can be created and used to propel the spacecraft much like a projectile in a "rail-gun."
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)