New System Propels Satellites Without Propellants

cylonlover writes "Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are testing a new propulsion system ... inside the station. While this might seem like the height of recklessness, this particular system doesn't use rockets or propellants. Developed in the University of Maryland's Space Power and Propulsion Laboratory, this new electromagnetic propulsion technology called the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System (RINGS) uses magnetic fields to move spacecraft as a way to increase service life and make satellite formation flying more practical."

Comments

Also generates power

[Gothmolly]

Either you use the magnetic field to move your ship, or you use the difference in potential across long wires to generate power.

This is robbing energy from the Earth to move the space station. Quick, someone call Al Gore!