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Revisiting alpha decay-based near-light-speed particle propulsion
Wenwu Zhang1, Zhen Liu1, Yang Yang1
1Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang 315201, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Nuclear decay propels spacecraft using alpha particles for long-term acceleration. This near-light-speed particle propulsion (NcPP) offers faster solar system travel and potential Mars trips in 20 days.
Area of Science:
- Space propulsion systems
- Nuclear physics applications
- Advanced spacecraft engineering
Background:
- Conventional spacecraft propulsion is limited by ejected mass velocity.
- Interplanetary and interstellar travel demand efficient long-term acceleration.
- Alpha particles from nuclear decay offer a novel propulsion concept.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alpha particles from nuclear decay as a solution for long-term spacecraft acceleration.
- To elucidate the principle of near-light-speed particle propulsion (NcPP).
- To propose methods for enhancing NcPP efficiency for space exploration.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of near-light-speed particle propulsion (NcPP) principles.
- Utilizing the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) software for predicting ion accelerations.
- Developing the hypothesis of stimulated acceleration of nuclear decay (SAND).
Main Results:
- Near-light-speed particle propulsion (NcPP) using alpha decay is feasible for spacecraft propulsion and in-space maneuvering.
- A practical NcPP sail can exceed 150 km/s, outperforming solar sails for reaching the solar system's edge.
- The proposed stimulated acceleration of nuclear decay (SAND) could drastically reduce travel times.
Conclusions:
- Alpha decay presents a viable method for advanced spacecraft propulsion.
- NcPP technology offers significant advantages over existing solar sails for deep space missions.
- Future research into stimulated nuclear decay could revolutionize space travel, enabling rapid transit, such as a 20-day trip to Mars.
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