4 ms·

The good old Bussard Ramjet. Problem is, recent calculations showed that it's not viable - even for a Kardashev Type II civilisation [1] [1] https://www.scienc

• throwaway11460 3y ago
  It's not viable to use it to visit the galactic center during a lifetime, but it still flies, if I understand that correctly?
  • qayxc 3y ago
    Theoretically it works, yes, though not nearly as well as initially thought. The engineering and the required materials, however, are still questionable and way beyond our current understanding of physics and material science. It's a similar story for solar sails, unfortunately, though progress is being made in that area. Personally, I think that's the only realistic way of interstellar travel given our current knowledge of physics and engineering.