Abstract We disprove the claim that was published in a recent paper [1] about an absolute maximum velocity related to the value of the Planck mass for a photon-propelled rocket in vacuum. This claim is based on incorrect hypotheses and is incompatible with the theory of relativity. We also review the relative bound that can actually be derived for the velocity of such an ideal rocket, as measured in the inertial frame in which it was at rest at a given initial time.
Highlights Results presented in a previous publication are contested. The relativistic limit on the velocity of a rocket is the speed of light. The ideal relativistic rocket equation with photon propulsion in vacuum is reviewed.
Comment on “the ultimate limits of the relativistic rocket equation. The Planck photon rocket”
Acta Astronautica ; 161 ; 373-374
2019-01-17
2 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
NTIS | 1960
|Comment on "Theoretical Upper Limits on Enthalpy Rocket Performance"
Online Contents | 1997
|Relativistic rocket: Dream and reality
Online Contents | 2014
|Relativistic rocket and space flight
Online Contents | 2006
|