Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma
From: "Cliff L. Biffle" <cbiffle@anasazi.com>
Subject: "Plasma Drag" and Bussard scoop
Organization: Network Safety Corporation

Hi. I've been examining the Bussard ram-scoop spacecraft propulsion
concept for quite a while, and noted that nearly all of its detractors
point out that the drag of the ram-scoop against interstellar hydrogen
would prevent it from accelerating past about 10%c. I had an idea, and
am wondering if any of you plasma physicists out there could give me
some feedback on it.
Okay, for those of you not familiar with a Bussard ram-scoop, it's an
idea where a spacecraft would basically inhale interstellar hydrogen
through a massive electromagnetic "scoop" and use it for fuel. However,
most anyone will be happy to point out the drag problems. I was
thinking, if the incoming hydrogen were ionized somehow (microwaves,
whatever) and then guided in by a magnetic field, would that decrease
drag? I realize there would probably be some friction somewhere in the
process, but if the ionized hydrogen gas never came into contact with
anything but a magnetic field, would the system be more efficient?
Please reply via e-mail if possible, as my news is slow.
-Cliff Leslie Biffle



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