Antiproton-catalyzed microfission/fusion propulsion

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1996 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.49917· OSTI ID:385513

Lewis, R A; Smith, G A ^[1]; Watson, B J; Lance Werthman, W ^[2]; Chakrabarti, S ^[3]

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1. Pennsylvania State University, Laboratory for Elementary Particle Science, Department of Physics, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (United States)
2. Pennsylvania State University, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (United States)
3. Pennsylvania State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (United States)

A study of the ignition of uranium-hydrogen pellets with antiproton-induced fission is presented. Numbers of antiprotons required for successful pellet ignition are discussed. The driver uses light ion beams for compression and storage rings for antiprotons. An experiment on subcritical antiproton fission is described. Propulsive thrust is derived from radiation developed in a wavelength-shifter external to the pellet, which then expands into a mechanical shell. Ionization and expansion of materials from the shell by this radiation have been studied, as well as effects of heating and mechanical stress, neutrons and radiation damage on the system. A prototypical spacecraft (ICAN II) has been designed using this thrust mechanism. Requisite thrust and specific impulse parameters are considered for three interplanetary missions using this spacecraft. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 385513
• Report Number(s): CONF-960109-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 96:026261
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 361, Issue 1; Conference: STAIF 96: space technology and applications international forum, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 7-11 Jan 1996; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
ANTIPROTON REACTIONS
URANIUM
HYDROGEN
SPACE PROPULSION REACTORS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTIONS
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES
MARS PLANET
JUPITER PLANET
PLUTO PLANET
GRAVITATIONAL LENSES
PROPELLANTS
STORAGE RINGS
ION BEAMS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems