After considering relevant properties of the local interstellar medium and defining a sample interstellar mission, this paper considers possible interstellar applications of the electrodynamic tether, or EDT. These include use of the EDT to provide on-board power and affect trajectory modifications and direct application of the EDT to starship acceleration. It is demonstrated that comparatively modest EDTs can provide substantial quantities of on-board power, if combined with a large-area electron-collection device such as the Cassenti toroidal-field ramscoop. More substantial tethers can be used to accomplish large-radius thrustless turns. Direct application of the EDT to starship acceleration is apparently infeasible.
Applications of the Electrodynamic Tether to Interstellar Travel
2005
16 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Space Technology , Combustion, Engines, & Propellants , Tethering , Electrodynamics , Interstellar travel , Propulsion systems , Artificial satellites , Onboard , Plasma density , Thrust , Electrons , Trajectories , Modifications , Acceleration , Space environment , Ramscoops , Thrustless turning , Onboard power sources
Applications of the Electrodynamic Tether to Interstellar Travel
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