Proposal: Definition of Problem: The problem that our project will be addressing is how to travel over great distances required to reach other astronomical objects. We will focus on the thrust output of ion propulsion. Our program will measure the amount of ions being produced by the cathode grid, affecting a ship's attainable speed in a certain amount of time. Modeling interstellar propulsion systems will be very important to attain a reasonable speed in a certain amount of time and sustain interstellar flight. Purpose: The purpose is to model the movement of ions in a cathode grid to calculate the thrust the engine is able to produce.This could then be used to determine travel times in the universe. Desired Results: Our desired result is to create a program that would model ion creation in a cathode grid unit and then have it combine with a program that models a propulsion system using ions to propel itself. We hope this program can model an interstellar spacecraft using a ion propulsion system with good and bad ion ejection control. Plan of Action: We plan to use StarLogo to create and execute the program to model the ion creation of a cathode grid unit and model how the cathode grid's effectiveness for the ion propulsion system is either changed or improved. Bibliography:Zona, Kathleen. Warp Drive, When?. March 17,2006 NASA. 10/17/06

Team Members:

Jarett Jones
Luis Maura

Sponsoring Teacher: Debra Loftin

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