/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15979440
Theoretical magsails that do not require a coil kilometers in diameter e.g. Wind Rider pretty much require powersails (PV covered solar sails) to be developed first, of course for generating the necessary amount of power at a low mass but also attitude control (liquid-crystal panels) and course correction via ion thrusters if solar crosswind capability isn't feasible.

What I'm saying is that Japan should be threatened with a third nuke unless they fund a revised OKEANOS proposal. All the technology involved has already been demonstrated in space and it's likely the future of electric propulsion for all but the most distant planets.

>>15119514
>and we need to wait a whole decade for an orbiter to arrive at a gas giant.
Try 18 weeks

Take the plasma magsail pill
https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2021/11/earth-to-jupiter-via-magsail-in-21-days.html