Just to clarify, or... I feel this is probably a stupid question but here goes anyway:
Is the QVPT only useful for space applications, or could it be utilized in atmosphere?
If not, is there a way to utilize the same internal engines, but divert an internal propellant of a stronger but otherwise similar nature into the propulsion system instead of harvesting it externally?
I imagine it would be ideal to not need to have multiple types of propulsion systems to handle atmosphere and interstellar travel. Then again, I also assume if it would require two distinct propulsion systems, they would just cut the one and make it a space-only vehicle. Have a LEO taxi vehicle shuttle from Earth to an orbital dock/ship yard/habitable space station/hotel.
I feel like we'll really need an entirely different Earth-launched propulsion system if we are to really construct any kind of mega station. Maybe just being able to launch a heck of a lot more on NASA's next rocket platforms will be enough.
I can't wait until we actually have a reason to have an orbital ship-building facility. Even for something like Mars habitation (not just the initial exploration, thinking larger permanent installations with obviously more advanced HVAC/atmospheric systems), I think they'll need to build the massive ferry ships in orbit for vehicles that are both a) too large to lift off this planet conventionally, at least feasibly, and b) lacking atmospheric-capable propulsion.
That, or a moon base, should be the next global cooperative project. Russia, you're on the fence for this one - shape yo' ass up or get no Martian babes (resources).
Is the QVPT only useful for space applications, or could it be utilized in atmosphere?
If not, is there a way to utilize the same internal engines, but divert an internal propellant of a stronger but otherwise similar nature into the propulsion system instead of harvesting it externally?
I imagine it would be ideal to not need to have multiple types of propulsion systems to handle atmosphere and interstellar travel. Then again, I also assume if it would require two distinct propulsion systems, they would just cut the one and make it a space-only vehicle. Have a LEO taxi vehicle shuttle from Earth to an orbital dock/ship yard/habitable space station/hotel.
I feel like we'll really need an entirely different Earth-launched propulsion system if we are to really construct any kind of mega station. Maybe just being able to launch a heck of a lot more on NASA's next rocket platforms will be enough.
I can't wait until we actually have a reason to have an orbital ship-building facility. Even for something like Mars habitation (not just the initial exploration, thinking larger permanent installations with obviously more advanced HVAC/atmospheric systems), I think they'll need to build the massive ferry ships in orbit for vehicles that are both a) too large to lift off this planet conventionally, at least feasibly, and b) lacking atmospheric-capable propulsion.
That, or a moon base, should be the next global cooperative project. Russia, you're on the fence for this one - shape yo' ass up or get no Martian babes (resources).
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