Nick Long and his long-range superconductor electric rocket

Saturday Morning

Nick Long has been called the grandfather of superconductors and for good reason. He's the reason why one of the coldest, hottest, and most powerful superconductor electric rocket thrusters ever to be tested in space, is being built in a hi-tech shed at the bottom of Wainuiomata Hill. Long, from the Robinson Research Institute, has spent three decades helping crack the puzzle that makes superconductors usable. The thrusters are scheduled to be launched in February next year and will head to the International Space Station, and one day, maybe Mars. He explains how it's all going to work.