Advanced Technology in Propulsion - ELECTRON SPIRAL TOROID PROPULSION (EST)

ELECTRON SPIRAL TOROID PROPULSION (EST)

          A revolutionary method has been discovered to store large amounts of energy as magnetic field energy with virtually no mass, using the newly patented Electron Spiral Toroid (EST). The EST has large total energy and low mass, potentially resulting in the advances of the space propulsion. An EST is calculated to store 10 12 joules of magnetic field energy in a containment of 235 kg, replacing a Titan rocket's 700,000 kg of fuel with 32 kg of thruster gas.

    

   

 The EST is a hollow toroid of electrons, all spiraling in parallel paths in a thin outer surface. The EST is charge neutral, being surrounded by ions which provide the small electric field. This makes the EST force free. The parallel paths are current loops, which create a very large internal magnetic field. Microwave energy may be added to raise electrons to 10,000 ev. Propulsion would heat ions without combustion through collisions with the EST surface, ejecting them for thrust. The ions are contained by electric fields until ejected; thus protecting mechanical parts. The thrust can be shut off when required. Proof-of-concept tests have shown EST energy loss rates to be small.

WATER THE ULTIMATE PROPELLANT

      

        NASA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, or AFOSR, have successfully launched a small rocket using an environmentally-friendly, safe propellant comprised of aluminum powder and water ice, called ALICE. This environmentally-friendly propellant can be used for flight on Earth and in long distance space missions. Using ALICE as fuel , a nine-foot rocket soared to a height of 1,300 feet over Purdue University ’ s Scholar farm earlier in Indiana. ALICE

is generating excitement among researchers because this energetic propellant has the potential to replace some liquid or solid propellants. When it is optimized, it could have a higher performance than conventional propellants.

      

           ALICE has the consistency of toothpaste when made. It can be fit into molds and then cooled to -30 degree Celsius 4hours before flight. The propellant has a high burn rate and achieved a maximum thrust of 650 pounds during the test. ALICE can be improved with the addition of oxidizers and become a potential solid rocket propellant on Earth. Theoretically, ALICE can be manufactured in distant places like the moon or Mars, instead of being transported to distant locations at high cost.

CONCLUSION

           We are just beginning to understand the true nature of space and attempting to utilize this environment for our propulsion needs. Many interactive forces are available for propulsion. A few of these forces as discussed above include gravitational attraction, gas and plasma pressure, radiation pressure, magnetic fields and electric fields. Utilizing these “free” forces will be a true test of man’s ingenuity.