Watch: NASA begins testing of solar wind based E-sail technology

In simple words HERTS E-sail concept is a propellant-less propulsion system will make use of solar wind to travel into deep space.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: NASA engineers has started conducting tests on the models of spacecraft that will use new propulsion system which will radically reduce the time of space travel. 

This new propulsion system, named Heliopause Electrostatic Rapid Transport System (HERTS), would consist of 10 to 20 bare aluminum wires extending outward from spacecraft in circular motion. These circular 'E-sail' would generate electric field using solar power that would deflect the ionized particles and thereby generate an accelerated force that would propel the vessel.

In simple words HERTS E-sail concept is a more faster propellant-less propulsion system will make use of solar wind to travel into deep space.

Watch this video to explore more about E-sail technology.

(Video credits: NASA)