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Last year the StarLogo program was designed to model the creation of ions for an
ion propulsion engine that will be used in a spacecraft as a primary propulsion
method. This year’s program is a significant improvement over last years because
it shows the movements of the ions realistically in relation to time and space.
We are designing our program to improve the NASA Dawn space probe, through
increased ion generation in relation to solar panel size.
This year Net Logo will be used to take advantage of its greater flexibility and
power in creating this model. This year the program includes the rate of ion
generation over time so that any improvement in the Dawn ion engine will be
shown as a decrease in fuel consumption will maintaining power in watts. This
will allow the ship to go farther, even if it’s not faster.
It is clear when researching the history of manned and unmanned that humans will
continue to seek out ways of traveling farther from our home planet. Starting
with the mission to the moon and hopefully not ending with the NASA Dawn.
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