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Ion Engine Propels Probe to Moon

Posted by michael on from the ludicrous-speed dept.

lenin writes "The BBC is reporting that Europe's first moon mission, SMART-1, appears to be a success thus far. It also talks about the low-cost technology being used and the charged xenon (ion) propulsion system. Can TIE-fighters be far off?"

4 of 330 comments (clear)

  1. TIE by CGP314 · · Score: 5, Funny

    It also talks about the low-cost technology being used and the charged xenon (ion) propulsion system. Can TIE-fighters be far off?

    Yup, that's how technology goes, straight from moon probe to TIE fighters. No intermediate steps necessary. No life support, no radiation shielding, necessary. I can't wait to buy my A-Wing.

  2. elevator by spectrokid · · Score: 5, Funny

    If we combine this with the space elevator, we can send shit to the moon on 6 AA batteries!!!

    --

    10 ?"Hello World" life was simple then

  3. Re:Ooh, IONs by puetzc · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course you don't understand - after all, this time it really IS rocket science.

  4. Xenon sucks by Waffle+Iron · · Score: 5, Funny
    It also talks about the low-cost technology being used and the charged xenon (ion) propulsion system.

    I hate those self-important A-holes who have those xenon propulsion systems. It seems like every night that I go for a short trip in low earth orbit, at least one schmuck has to fly by with those damned things turned on. How am I supposed to see where I'm going when I'm being blinded by the obnoxious blue glare that they spew? If they're the only ones who can see anything, it's not making things any safer overall.

    I swear, I'm going to start flashing these jokers with my laser range finder if they don't get more considerate and stop using those damned xenon units in congested orbits.