3 ms·
You could also do it with existing nuclear fission technology (Project Orion). 3% speed of light seems to be quite feasible with that. If there‘d be no other wa
by m_mueller 8y ago
You could also do it with existing nuclear fission technology (Project Orion). 3% speed of light seems to be quite feasible with that. If there‘d be no other way to save humanity, a generation ship with that technology would probably be built today.
- Robotbeat 8y agoProject Orion, the one that can hypothetically do 3% light speed, is definitely fusion as well. And the very high Isp versions of it are incredibly challenging to build (as you need like a magnetic shield to deflect the nuclear plasma ball). The more modest Isp versions are more realistic, but won't get you there.
- m_mueller 8y agoI see, but still, at least the energy source itself would be proven technology in the form of H-bombs right? As for the shielding, do you mean the pusher plate or the nuclear shape charge in the bombs themselves? Does going from fission to fission+fusion bomb make such a big difference that couldn’t be overcome just with more/stronger material and/or ablative shields?