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Worldbuilding

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    $\begingroup$ Ionocrafts are silent, emit sci-fi blue light in the dark and some theoretical models are literally flying saucers. If you can produce high enough voltage with a light enough system, they are the sci-fi atmospheric propulsion method. (Pay no attention to the light NO2 emissions.) $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 24, 2018 at 11:50
  • $\begingroup$ @Eth right. I totally forgot NO2. I'll update my answer when I'm home. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 24, 2018 at 11:56
  • $\begingroup$ Wouldn't it be possible for an ionocraft to carry an onboard supply of propellent and use that while in vaccum? $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 26, 2018 at 11:40
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    $\begingroup$ @0something0 As I wrote: " Still, this ionocraft engine can use rcs exhaust as its reaction mass," - to expand on this a little, yes, indeed using ionocraft engine to accelerate on-board gas source would work. At the same time, there is no reason not to use on-board fuel to give kinetic energy on its own, too. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 26, 2018 at 12:57