Mars awaits: Sydney rocket scientist to test ion drive in space

By Marcus Strom
Updated October 4 2016 - 11:23am, first published September 29 2016 - 6:00am
Sydney rocket scientist Paddy Neumann is working on a system of rocket propulsion called ion drive.  Photo: Edwina Pickles
Sydney rocket scientist Paddy Neumann is working on a system of rocket propulsion called ion drive. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Dr Neumann's ion drive at work inside his lab at the University of Sydney. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Dr Neumann's ion drive at work inside his lab at the University of Sydney. Photo: Edwina Pickles
One of the 2.5 centimetre diameter magnesium cathodes (right) from Dr Neumann's ion drive after use. Photo: Edwina Pickles
One of the 2.5 centimetre diameter magnesium cathodes (right) from Dr Neumann's ion drive after use. Photo: Edwina Pickles
A prototype of the Neumann Drive in the lab at the University of Sydney. Photo: Edwina Pickles
A prototype of the Neumann Drive in the lab at the University of Sydney. Photo: Edwina Pickles

To Mars and back on a 50-kilogram tank and more fuel-efficient than NASA: that's the aim of Sydney rocket scientist Paddy Neumann for his prototype ion drive.