Can magnetic field of earth be used to propel magnetized space ship into orbit?

Answer 1

Sure! ^_^ Just search the site below for the whole phrase "automagnetic levitation":

http://www.popsci.com/

It does a smart search so it will take its time but the search cuts out a lot of spam and irrelevant results too.

Basically, the gist of it is that if you use an *array* of magnetic fields lined up on a grid--rather like what scientists have used for decades in *particle accelerators*--and have it on the underside of a flat surface, for any given combination of surface area and total field strength, there will be a minimum speed beyond which the thing will levitate automatically courtesy of induction off of the earth's magnetic field. Go faster than that minimum speed and you'll gain altitude too.

The catch is three fold though:

--these grids are expensive and difficult to set up. Apparently you need a fair bit of surface area to lift a small payload, which doesn't make things too aerodynamic, but in addition to that, you need to line up an array of *strong* magnets in a precise mathematical pattern to get it to work. Strong rare-earth permanent magnets are expensive, and electro-magnets would be too (energy cost), and so is the expertise needed to get the grid right.

--the auto-magnetic levitation grid doesn't float itself...it has to move up to and beyond the minimum speed threshhold to get the induction to work. So jet engines and/or rockets will still be necessary. What you're talking about here would be something to *augment* or add to the lift of a rocket's payload, and not replace the rocket entirely.

And finally....

--Now isn't exactly the *best* of times to play around with the earth's magnetic field. In case you hadn't noticed, the earth's field is more than a bit unstable lately and will get more so, because it is due for an *inversion* north to south, this thing happens once every 7000 years or so.

But don't take my word for it, search for the phrases "geodynamo" and "magnetic field inversion" at:

http://www.sciam.com/

Point is....this might not be something we want to tinker with casually. The earth's magnetic field is already wobbly....why not leave it be and let it *work* while it still does?

Just saying. ^_^ Good question though, thanks for your time!

Answer 2

The Earth's magnetic field is rather weak, so you probably can't launch anything from the ground using it. But it might be feasible to maneuver around once in orbit using the Earth's magnetic field.

Answer 3

Mag-lev propulsion using the earth's weak magnetic field is not energy efficient. A chemical rocket is more energy efficient.

Answer 4

theory has been around for a while, go back and research the old Dick Tracy comicstrips of the late 50's,early 60's and 70's about their moon ship for a more complete review of the theory.

Answer 5

Sure it can I thought everyone knew that.

Answer 6

it is possible