Posted on 08/09/2004 6:10:33 PM PDT by KevinDavis
I think a 0.1 G acceleration for a very long time (20 years or so) using an ion type engine would fare far better than nuclear for interstellar. However, for interplanetary, nuclear is the clear winner.
Coherent nuclear resonant spin allows a substance (made of boron and oxygen) to capture radiation (x-ray and possibly gamma) when in a magnetic field. When the field is reversed the radiation then continues to propagate. Use it to power a plasma rocket and we are on our way.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.