A brand new rocket thruster might result in ‘unending’ deep-space exploration by changing metals to gasoline.
Scientists on the College of Southampton are trialling a propulsion system which makes use of minerals harvested from asteroids or far-off moons to refill its tanks.
Lead scientist Dr Minkwan Kim claims the tech might assist to uncover beforehand unreachable areas of the universe.
‘Spacecraft have restricted quantities of gasoline due to the big price,’ he mentioned.
A brand new rocket thruster utilizing minerals harvested from asteroids might result in ‘unending’ deep-space exploration
Lead scientist Dr Minkwan Kim claims the tech might assist to uncover beforehand unreachable areas of the universe
‘However these new thrusters are able to being powered by any metallic that may burn, reminiscent of iron, aluminium or copper.
‘As soon as fitted, spacecraft might land on a comet or moon, wealthy in these minerals, and harvest what it wants earlier than jetting off with a full tank.’
Dr Kim’s staff are working with British-based area agency Magdrive on the propulsion tech, named Tremendous Magdrive, which has been given a £1 million grant by the Authorities.
‘The system might assist us discover new planets, hunt down new life, and go the place no human has gone earlier than, enabling unending discovery,’ he added.
