Could we create rockets powered by solar energy?

Hello, friends of solar energy,

Solar power has been used for space travel, but not in the way you might expect. Traditional rockets, such as those used to launch spacecraft into orbit, use chemical propulsion. This means they burn a fuel, usually a type of hydrogen or kerosene, and an oxidizer to create a high-pressure and high-temperature gas that is expelled to produce thrust. This process requires a significant amount of energy in a very short time, something that current solar power technology can't provide.

However, once a spacecraft is in space, solar power becomes much more feasible. Many satellites and space probes use solar panels to generate electricity for their systems and instruments. Some spacecraft use a technology called "solar electric propulsion" or "ion propulsion," where electricity from solar panels is used to ionize a propellant like xenon, and the ions are expelled to produce a very efficient, though low thrust propulsion.

But even this type of propulsion is not suitable for lifting a rocket from the Earth's surface. The gravity on Earth requires a high amount of instantaneous thrust to overcome, which ion propulsion systems currently cannot provide.

In conclusion, while solar energy can't be used directly to launch rockets due to the high energy needs of overcoming Earth's gravity, it is widely used in space travel once a spacecraft is in orbit. The development of more advanced solar electric propulsion systems could potentially increase the role of solar power in space travel in the future.

Expanding the potential of solar energy and solar systems with interesting and speculative questions can be quite exciting. Here are some examples:

- Could we create rockets powered by solar energy?

- Instead of roofs on our houses, why don't we construct dedicated buildings or solar farms with solar panels on a larger scale?

- Could we meet the energy needs of the entire world by installing gigantic solar panels in large desert areas?

- Could high altitudes, which receive more sunlight compared to the Earth's surface, be suitable for solar panel-equipped drones that can stay in the air indefinitely and generate electricity?

- Could we install solar panels on the moon or other planets and generate energy? How could we transmit this energy back to Earth?

- Could we install large-scale floating solar panels on oceans?

- Could a solar-powered seawater desalination system turn saltwater into freshwater, potentially solving the global water crisis?

- With large-scale energy storage solutions, could we develop the technology needed to use solar energy throughout the night?

- Could we make a city entirely energy-independent using solar energy?

- Could we create a completely independent biosphere supporting sustainable living powered by solar energy?

-How about I put a solar panel on the roof of my car?

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These types of questions provide an interesting starting point to think about what kinds of applications and advancements solar energy and solar systems could bring in the future. As technology progresses rapidly, even ideas that seem speculative today might become reality. The answers are not binding or entirely definitive. "You are welcome to share the article above, as long as you provide the appropriate attribution.02/2020"

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