11-11-2015, 12:21 AM
(11-10-2015, 12:26 PM)Drashner1 Wrote: How is this different from a magsail?
We have magsails used in various applications within the setting already.
More recently, we've added magbeam propulsion into the early timeline (starting in the 2050s CE), although we still need to create an article to go with it.
I suppose this might get used to send a probe a two to the outer solar system or heliopause as the article describes - assuming that the tests don't demonstrate that the tech won't work anyway. Given that this will apparently be tested in the near future, I'd be leery of writing up an article on it before then since, if the test proves the tech unworkable, we would then have to turn around and remove it.
That said, if you want to take a shot at doing a write up on this, feel free.
Todd
I agree that including it in the near future would be a risky move. And considering magsails and electric sails are basically the same, I imagine the point of the article was more to suggest that they might be around very soon, rather than introduce the idea itself.