The Epstein Drive is a modified Fusion Drive invented by
Solomon Epstein around 120 years ago, in approximately 2213 AD BXT. It enabled humanity to travel beyond
Earth and the inner planets and colonize the asteroid belt and the outer planets. It is also the main way the Books/TV work at all being about 100x better than any current or theoretical engine.
The drive utilizes magnetic coil exhaust acceleration to increase drive efficiency, which enables spaceships to sustain thrust throughout the entire voyage. A ship fitted with the efficient Epstein drive is able to run the drive continuously for acceleration to its goal and then after flipping at about the halfway point is able to run the drive continuously during deceleration. Previous engine designs used propellant less efficiently and could not be run long enough to achieve the high velocities that the Epstein drive permitted.
Known models
- S-250 Series Epstein Drive: A UN (United Nations) drive model used on Leonidas-class battleships. This drive is older and less efficient than most current drive models.
- S-400 Series Epstein Drive: A UN drive model used on Truman-class dreadnoughts.
- RT-10 'Kaminari' Epstein Drive: MCR (Martian Congressional Republic) drive model used on Donnager-class battleships.
- RTF-B Series Epstein Drive: MCR drive model used on Scirocco-class Assault cruisers.
- RT6-B Epstein Drive: MCR drive model used on Morrigan-class Patrol destroyers.
- G-4000 Series Epstein Drive: A very large drive model used on the Nauvoo.
- Supercharged Destrier-4 High-Velocity Epstein Drive: The high performance drive model installed on the Razorback racing pinnace.
Performance of Solomon Epstein's first drive
| Thrust | 1MN |
| Specific Impulse | 1.1Ms |
| Exhaust Velocity | 11Mm/s 0.037c |
| Mass Flow Rate | 0.09 kg/second |
| Thrust Power | 5.5TW |
| Engine's Thrust/Weight | ~140 |
| Propellant mass fraction | ~4 |
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