AbstractInterstellar transportation over periods shorter than the human lifetime requires speeds in the range of 0.2–0.3c. These speeds are not attainable using rockets, even with advanced fusion engines. Anti-matter engines are theoretically possible but current physical limitations would have to be suspended to get the mass densities required. Interstellar ramjets have not proven practicable, so this leaves beamed momentum propulsion as the remaining candidate. This paper reviews the state of beamed-momentum in-space propulsion and presents a point design system suitable for human exploration of nearby stars using today's physics and resources known to exist in the solar system. The total beam energy requirement for an interstellar probe mission is roughly 1020 J , which would require the complete fissioning of one thousand tons of uranium assuming 35 percent power plant efficiency. This is roughly equivalent to a recurring cost per flight of 3.0 billion dollars in reactor grade enriched uranium using today's prices. Therefore, interstellar flight is an expensive proposition, but not unaffordable, if the nonrecurring costs of building the power plant can be minimized.


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    Title :

    Interstellar propulsion opportunities using near-term technologies


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 55 , 3-9 ; 443-451


    Publication date :

    2003-01-01


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Interstellar propulsion opportunities using near-term technologies

    Andrews, D. G. / International Astronautical Federation / International Academy of Astronautics et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004





    Propulsion technologies for near term

    Mehta, Gopal | NTRS | 1991