Ion Propulsion of Magnetic Levitating Graphene E-Sail: "Tesla-Kinesis"

In this short experimental demonstration, I share a concept of induced ion propulsion using positive ions that create a wind that can push a thin-film of graphene that is kept levitating at effectively zero-G using a rare-earth magnetic track. This is, in effect, an ion "E-sail" (electric sail) that can capture the momentum of the ions emitted and transfer them into motion in the direction of the ion flow.

The ion source is a modified Tesla coil, a high voltage source, that causes breakdown of air above a sharp steel tip creating a streak of positive ions that move away from the source in a direction toward the sample being probed and propelled.

This system is a simulation of the solar-wind that is whipped up by the high temperatures and magnetic activity of the stars themselves. The Sun produces a significant solar wind, made up of protons and helium nuclei, which are emitted at high velocities from the solar atmosphere, the corona, and solar surface during solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The energy that is emitted in these eruptions, translated into the stream of high velocity charged ions, is perhaps the greatest free source of space propulsion and could, potentially, carry spacecraft equipped with massive solar sails to the outer reaches of the solar system at speeds that would be impossible to achieve using chemical propulsion or gravity assists and without the need for onboard propellant.

Indeed, interstellar space travel could be achieved using this effect over the more energy intensive photon-assisted propulsion which is also another interesting avenue of research which could utilize the high durability and strength of graphene material. Graphene also has the advantage of being highly resistant to radiation and the electrical current induced by ion capture may itself be used as an energy source for the spacecraft with a large enough sail. In any case the effect itself is interesting and demonstrates, if nothing else, the principle of converting electrical energy into kinetic energy and the visual demonstrations of the concept of an ion wind.