There are three major problems here that need to be overcome:
First and biggest is the radiation environment around Io in general and in the flux tube in particular. Can't find figures at the moment, but ISTR reading
that the surface dose on Io approaches "unshielded nuclear reactor" levels. Even with handwavium, that's going to be a tough row to hoe.
Second's putting together a brake for the system. Generating the power's easy enough - just run a wire through that current and it'll conduct - but
keeping *all* of that power from running down the wire and wrecking the collector would be tricky.
Finally, distribution. All that power's there, but how do you get it out of Juptier's magnetosphere and to the colonies on Europa and Callisto?
Mr. Fnord interdimensional man of mystery
FenWiki - Your One-Stop Shop for Fenspace Information
"I. Drink. Your. NERDRAGE!"
First and biggest is the radiation environment around Io in general and in the flux tube in particular. Can't find figures at the moment, but ISTR reading
that the surface dose on Io approaches "unshielded nuclear reactor" levels. Even with handwavium, that's going to be a tough row to hoe.
Second's putting together a brake for the system. Generating the power's easy enough - just run a wire through that current and it'll conduct - but
keeping *all* of that power from running down the wire and wrecking the collector would be tricky.
Finally, distribution. All that power's there, but how do you get it out of Juptier's magnetosphere and to the colonies on Europa and Callisto?
Mr. Fnord interdimensional man of mystery
FenWiki - Your One-Stop Shop for Fenspace Information
"I. Drink. Your. NERDRAGE!"