Once you're in space, chances are you'll want to go somewhere. That's where propulsion comes in. Propulsion systems use various different methods, depending on the system's specific role, to get space ships from one place to another.
Subsections
Overview
Physics of Propulsion
Before we get into the details of specific propulsion technologies, it's important that we first cover some basic physics concepts and terms... >> Click here for more info
Current Technology
Although the different propulsion systems in use today vary in design and usage, nearly all of them rely on the energy released in chemical reactions... >> Click here for more info
Current Research
Propulsion systems powered by chemical reactions are quite inefficient in terms of their specific impulse. Scientists are developing new, more efficient systems which would be useful in long-term missions... >> Click here for more info
Future Research
For hundreds of years, people have dreamt of flying to distant stars and planets. Unfortunately, the distances are far too great for us to travel with current technology... >> Click here for more info