After setting foot on the Moon, the next destination for humankind is Mars, which presents a whole new set of challenges in speedy, long-distance space travel.

After setting foot on the Moon, the next destination for humankind is Mars, which presents a whole new set of challenges in speedy, long-distance space travel.

  • anonionfinelyminced
    172•6 months ago

    It’s a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine"

    What makes the RDRE so revolutionary is that it makes use of a sustained detonation circling around a ring-shaped channel, fed by a mix of fuel and oxygen which is ignited by each passing explosion.
    Crucially, the RDRE uses less propellant fuel than conventional rocket engines, and is simpler in terms of its machinery and mechanisms. That means going into space becomes cheaper, and traveling further distances becomes possible.

    Saved you a click.

    • @[email protected]English
      36•6 months ago

      NASA invented a space ship powered by a rotary engine? Noice, at least until the apex seals give out, but they should be good for 80k at least.

        • @[email protected]English
          2•6 months ago

          The wankel and rdre aren’t really related, but they’re similar in that they’re both oddball engines with surprising performance.

          Of all of my near future rocket engine predictions, a working aerospike rdre was not on my list… I’m honestly very impressed!

    • proleEnglish
      16•6 months ago

      That sounds sick. I wonder which sci-fi author came up with this idea ~60 years ago.

      • firecat
        -13•6 months ago

        No, it’s just gas powered car that still needs tanks and has everyone knows a around trip back to anywhere requires gas. The “ECO” of space travel.

        • @snugglesthefalseEnglish
          16•6 months ago

          And how else are you going to move things in space? Are you hiding a reactionless drive over there? Less fuel use is a good thing.

          • firecat
            -5•6 months ago

            We don’t have unlimited fuel, rockets cost too much fuel. It’s not even normal fuel either, it’s rare chemistry rocket technology that takes a while to develop.

            • @snugglesthefalseEnglish
              5•6 months ago

              Alright so nobody’s going to stop launching rockets realistically, there’s too much potential in space to just ignore, rdre are a way to do the same with less.