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If only we could produce anti matter. A tiny amount would provide a fuel source viable for deep space exploration.
by jaunkst 10y ago
If only we could produce anti matter. A tiny amount would provide a fuel source viable for deep space exploration.
- jharohit 10y agoAnti-matter is produced at CERN for study https://home.cern/topics/antimatter https://home.cern/topics/antimatter. The problem is not production of it but the economy of producing it. It's still very costly to produce and then to build and engine around it which uses the energy efficiently is still at least 10-15 years. But do believe that the time to start actively looking into it is NOW.
- flukus 10y agoIs it stable enough to survive a space launch?
- jharohit 10y agodon't think so. I am guessing you would need really strong magnetic fields to contain the anti-matter.
- dogma1138 10y agoMagnetic fields aren't the only issue here. You won't be able to store large amounts of it since quantum tunneling will become a statistical problem.
- witty_username 10y agoCould you explain? How would quantum tunneling of antimatter be a problem? The probability of quantum tunneling is exponential so adding a little more separation or reducing the energy can change the probability from 10^-1 to 10^-100.
- berntb 10y agoWhen discussing antimatter for propulsion, it might be worth checking out Robert L Forward. I saw the expression that he took the "giggle factor" out of the subject. :-) I found this overview, discussing a bit about the antimatter research: http://www.enthea.org/docs/Forward-Emerging-Technologies-Future-Concepts.pdf http://www.enthea.org/docs/Forward-Emerging-Technologies-Fut...
- Symmetry 10y agoAs a practical matter most of the byproducts of antimatter annihilation aren't amenable to being directed out the rear of a spacecraft by a nozzle, magnetic or otherwise. So the maximum theoretical efficiency is possibly better with advanced fusion drives than with antimatter.