The steam engine is one of the ten inventions that have changed the world beyond recognition. Steam as a power source began to be used in the 1700s, but since that time, mankind has made many other discoveries, and today such engines are rarely used. Perhaps in the future, the technology will return to its relevance - scientists want to use steam to increase the duration of the space probes. It is believed that the devices will be able to work indefinitely, refueling with ice from asteroids and other objects.
The idea was coined by researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and California-based Honeybee Robotics. Together they created a prototype probe with a steam power source - the new product was named WINE, which stands for "World Is Not Enough" or "Peace is not enough." Since over the past 60 years mankind has studied a lot of comets and asteroids, experts believe that the device will be able to fly endlessly on the energy produced on their surface by melt water.
Armed with the idea, experts at Honeybee Robotics and Embry-Riddle Aerobiology University have already created a prototype WINE. It was based on computer models and simulations by research scientist Phil Metzger, and artificial asteroid models were provided by UCF University. The first demo of WINE took place on December 31, 2018.
The WINE probe has the same dimensions as a home microwave oven. Running on conventional fuel, he would need constant refueling and his mission would be relatively short-lived. With steam power, it can work until it reaches its end of life, and it can be very long. In addition to increasing the duration of missions, returning to the old type of power supply can significantly reduce the cost of space exploration.
Ramis Ganiev