Kind of cool concept outlined on FlightGlobal. When space craft reenter the atmosphere the friction, and resulting heat, requires heat shields to protect the craft. Scientists are working on the idea of creating a magnetic shield that will repel the atoms of the air away from the craft thus avoiding friction and the need for shields. Big implications for safety (the last shuttle was lost after hot atmospheric gases breached its heat shield) and for easy of access to space (huge weight savings and great design freedom).
It is hoped the concept will be tested in the next decade, with a launch three years after approval (which is yet to be given).
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