Re: Prelude to the "grape drive"? [was: NASA Successfully Tests Ion Engine.]

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
Ilmari Karonen  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>C_60 is pretty stable, though, and, like any molecule, will hold on 
>tighter to its remaining electrons once it's already lost some.  Some 
>quick googling suggests C_60 can lose at least 3 electrons without 
>breaking up...

Unfortunately, preliminary experiments with it for ion propulsion were not
favorable -- in the sort of environment needed to quickly ionize significant
flows of material, it's not stable *enough*.  The more determined folks have
not entirely given up, but it's not going to be easy.
-- 
MOST launched 30 June; first light, 29 July; 5arcsec    | Henry Spencer
pointing, 10 Sept; first science, early Oct; all well.  | [EMAIL PROTECTED]