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The #3Dprinted prototype was able to generate thrust more #efficiently than larger, more expensive #chemical rockets and outperformed existing droplet #electrospray engines. It can be produced rapidly and for a fraction of the #cost 💵 of traditional thrusters and even be fully made in #orbit 🌌 https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-engineers-develop-fully-3d-printed-electrospray-engine-0212

#SpacecraftPropulsion

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@senbillnelson 's outsized influence on #NASA over four decades is undisputed, but some of us in the #SpaceCommunity are concerned this may not be a feature 👎. Senator #Nelson’s imprint on the #SpaceProgram has led to grand pronouncements based on #unrealistic industry estimates, multibillion-dollar 💰 #cost overruns, years of schedule #delays and unmet expectations 😠 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bill-nelson-isnt-the-best-choice-for-nasa-administrator/

#SpacePolitics#PorkBarrel

🤔 Why isn't the #ISS (partially) recycled (by #SpaceRobot) and parts ⚙️ or raw material used for the #LunarGateway (maybe for #RadiationProtection instead of #luggage 🛍️)? The #BBC article doesn't cover this https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/why-is-the-iss-being-retired-and-what-will-happen-to-it

The #LaunchCost 💰 were very high to bring this material to #orbit 🚀 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station

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The most #expensive man-made object is the International #SpaceStation (#ISS). Its final #cost will be over $100 billion 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-expensive-man-made-object

#BBC How the most expensive structure in the world was built https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151221-how-the-most-expensive-structure-in-the-world-was-built