Considered an entirely new class of vessel, it would rely on superconducting machinery for propulsion and power generation.

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After an explosion in Apollo 13's service module cut off propulsion and power, the lunar excursion module (LEM) was used as a lifeboat to provide life support to the three astronauts, and the engine of its descent stage for course changes, until the command module could re-enter the atmosphere after a long coast around the moon.

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Aside from funding hurdles, this potential mission and others like it will depend on a steady supply of Pu-238 for propulsion and to power its onboard systems.

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Throughout, the power, propulsion and communications systems were uninterrupted, the company said.

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If Innodyn succeeds, remote power sources and small-aircraft propulsion may never be the same.

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As our knowledge improves, we'll develop new power generation, propulsion, life support and other systems that can support more distant travels.

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This is the part of the satellite that generates power through solar panels, and keeps the platform on-station using a propulsion system.

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