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Australian Scientists Shoot
for the Stars
Scientists from The Australian National University and The European Space Agency
have recently designed, built and successfully tested a new type of ion engine
for spacecraft. The DS4G ion engine is a revolutionary type of electrical propulsion
system that works by shooting a beam of positively charged particles (ions) out
of the engine, propelling the ship forward.
The Dual-Stage-4-Grid ion engine was designed and
built under a contract with the ESA in four months
by an extremely dedicated team at the Australian National
University. This remarkable engine has test results
indicating that it is four times faster and four times
more fuel efficient than the current top ion engine
model. The ramifications of this are enormous for space
exploration.
“With the right power supply, a future spacecraft
using our new engine design wouldn’t just reach
the Moon, it would be able to leave the Solar System
entirely,” says Dr Roger Walker of ESA’s
Advanced Concepts Team, Research Fellow in Advanced
Propulsion and Technical Manager of the project.
Since the DS4G is currently only a laboratory model
it will take time before it will see actual use in
space. Since an ion engine must be able to run continuously
for tens of thousands of hours, an equivalent test
is necessary on Earth first.
Once operational, DS4G will allow for the exploration
of our entire solar system and beyond. With regards
to manned missions, a flight to Mars and back would
now be a reasonable endeavor for people to make.
“
This is an ultra-ion engine. It has exceeded the current
crop by many times and opens up a whole new frontier
of exploration possibilities,” says Dr Walker.
Self-Cleaning Bathrooms
Australian Scientists are working hard so that you
don not have to. Researchers at the University of
New South Wales are developing a coating for surfaces
that will be self-cleaning.
Tiny particles of titanium dioxide are the key to this
incredible concept. The particles work by absorbing
ultraviolet light below a certain wavelength, exciting
electrons and giving the particles an oxidizing quality
stronger than commercial bleach.
In addition to the cleansing quality, the titanium
dioxide particles prevent water droplets from forming.
This causes any moisture to run off the surface, washing
it as it goes.
The oxidization currently only occurs when the titanium
oxide particles are exposed to natural sunlight, but
the researchers involved are looking into ways to induce
this amazing function with artificial indoor light. |
