Plasma engines generate thrust from quasi-neutral plasma without high voltage grids. They use internal currents and potentials instead of high voltage grids. Plasma exhaust is quasi-neutral, eliminating need for electron guns. Can use various propellants including argon, CO2, and astronaut urine
Earth has two main radiation belts extending from 640 to 58,000 km above surface. Belts trap energetic charged particles from solar wind and cosmic rays. Belts are confined to 65° on either side of celestial equator
Science fiction emerged in Western societies during Industrial Revolution. Term "science fiction" popularized by Hugo Gernsback in 1920s. Genre deals with science's impact on society and individuals
Mars is 140 million miles from Earth, with the closest approach in 2003. The farthest approach occurs when planets are opposite sides of the sun. The ideal distance between Earth and Mars is 33.9 million miles
Private companies are competing to make space travel more accessible. SpaceX launched first US crewed mission to ISS in 2020. Boeing developing Starliner for ISS missions in 2021. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic offer sub-orbital space tourism
Getting to space requires leaving Kerbin's atmosphere above 70 kilometers. Orbit requires gaining lateral velocity while maintaining vertical thrust. Delta-V (change in velocity) needs around 4500m/s for orbit