Space propulsion: The antimatter advantage
- Thomas S. Wootton High School, Rockville, MD (United States)
With each century come new and exciting technologies, but perhaps the most challenging innovations have occurred in the modern era as a result of man's quest to explore the universe. While enormous advancements have occurred during the space age, there still remain significant obstacles in deep space exploration. A practical challenge to exploration is the development of a type of propulsion suitable for deep space endeavors. The development of such a propulsion system would greatly facilitate space research, while providing additional opportunities for other classes of exploration not yet defined. Based upon current research, there exist several possibilities for future propulsion techniques. Some of the most promising research has dealt with antimatter and its usefulness in energy production. The potential of antimatter as an efficient and renewable energy source exists, yet important practical and scientific concerns must be overcome to make this technology feasible. For deep space exploration to be successful, more advanced and powerful propulsion systems need to be devised. Current rocket technology is inadequate to meet these future needs. The authors predict that antimatter propulsion will emerge as the new standard for space exploration. At least the beginnings of this new technology are expected within the next twenty years.
- OSTI ID:
- 5657366
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Vol. 8:11; ISSN 0885-8985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Innovative Approaches to Development and Ground Testing of Advanced Bimodal Space Power and Propulsion Systems
Alternative Power and Propulsion for Space Systems