Relativistic Tsiolkovsky equation -- a case study in special relativity

ORAL

Abstract

A possibility of using antimatter in future space propulsion systems is seriously discussed in scientific literature. Annihilation of matter and antimatter is not only the energy source of ultimate density 9x10$^{16}$ J/kg (provided that antimatter fuel is available on board or can be collected along the journey) but also potentially allows to reach ultimate exhaust speed -- speed of light c. Using relativistic rocket equation we discuss the feasibility of achieving relativistic velocities with annihilation powered photon engine, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of interstellar travel with relativistic and ultrarelativistic velocities.

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Authors

  • Young-Yeal Song

    Brigham Young University, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Yale University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, JILA, NIST and University of Colorado, University of Arizona, MIT, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, University of New Mexico, Iowa State University, Los Alamos National Lab XCP-2, Utah State University, Weber State University, New Mexico State University, College of Optical Science, University of Arizona, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, J.A. Woollam Co., U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Arizona State University, BYU Nuclear Physics Group, Brigham Young University Physics and Astronomy, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of Tsukuba, Japan, Colorado State University, NSF ERC for EUV science and technology, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Utah Valley University, Argonne National Lab

  • Alexander Panin

    Utah Valley University