The origins of Ion Engine technology date back to 1930, when Dr. Wernher von Braun, a German rocket scientist, was introduced to the possibility of electric propulsion by his mentor, Dr. Hermann Oberth. Unfortunately, von Braun initially underestimated its potential and preferred to specialize in chemical propulsion systems.
For the general public, the electromagnetic catapult has only been a recurrent element in science fiction stories since the mid-twentieth century. The reasons were clear, theoretically it supposes a very effective system to launch space ships or be used like futuristic weapons of great devastating power. Its concept is very simple, it is a long ramp that, using magnetic fields, accelerates the object that passes through it. In practice, various physical and logistical reasons have made it unfeasible to be a reality as a way to put a spaceship into space.
Since 1950, either the United States or Russia have competed to be the first in the Race to Space. After the end of the Cold War, this competition became a policy of cooperation and collaboration, which would also join the European Union later. The United States took the lead thanks in part to the use of its space shuttles. With their retirement at the beginning of the 21st century a great mystery was opened up among all the main actors. How to replace them in a situation of global economic crisis?
