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HervG t1_j1ridkk wrote

Reply to comment by Science-Compliance in Question about rocket thrust / engines in space and in atmosphere… by MyShatsRRadioactive

Something not working effectively is still working. You know like most people

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Science-Compliance t1_j1rk2l3 wrote

Maybe I didn't explain well enough. Ion engines produce thrust equivalent to the weight of a piece of paper. The lightest breeze would render your engine unusable, or the slightest amount of drag assuming still air. Even in perfectly still air, you would never get anywhere because drag is proportional to the square of velocity, so your top speed would make walking a much more attractive option.

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