Short Wave Happy Science Fiction Week, Earthlings!
Dec 20, 2021
Geoff Brumfiel, an NPR science correspondent with a focus on space propulsion, takes us on a fascinating journey through the realities of space travel. He debunks common myths from films like Iron Man and Star Wars, highlighting the complexities of rocket design and fuel efficiency. Brumfiel explains why thrust is crucial in propulsion and discusses innovative technologies like ion and nuclear propulsion that could pave the way for human exploration beyond Mars. Get ready to rethink everything you thought about getting to the stars!
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Iron Man's Thrust
- Naia Butler-Craig, a PhD student, loves Marvel movies, especially Iron Man.
- However, her engineering background makes her question the suit's thrust generation.
Thrust Generation
- All space travel, even in fiction, faces the fundamental challenge of thrust generation.
- Thrust is achieved by expelling mass in the opposite direction of desired motion (Newton's Third Law).
Fuel Requirements
- Iron Man's suit, like all jetpacks, would require a massive fuel tank in reality.
- This fuel requirement limits practicality due to weight constraints.