It is possible to reach the stars with the revolutionary antimatter rocket

It is possible to reach the stars with the revolutionary antimatter rocket

By admin, Aralık 17, 2024








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Scientists are working on a revolutionary technology that will make interstellar travel possible: rockets powered by antimatter. This technology can exceed the limits offered by existing rockets and other space propulsion systems, making humanity’s dream of reaching distant stars no longer a “dream” but a reality.

Antimatter rocket for space

Although today’s conventional rockets provide high thrust, they have serious efficiency problems. On the other hand, existing solutions such as electric propulsion or solar sails offer high efficiency but are very limited on the propulsion side. At this point, scientists suggest that the problems can be solved with rockets powered by antimatter.




It is possible to reach the stars with the revolutionary antimatter rocket




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Antimatter consists of antiparticles of normal matter. When these particles encounter their partner particles, they annihilate and their mass turns into energy. in physics highest known energy This process creates the basis for antimatter rockets. According to a study conducted by scientists from United Arab Emirates University, antimatter rockets can cross the borders of the Solar System and reach neighboring stars in just a few months or years, on the scale of a human lifetime. Researchers say that this technology “has the potential to revolutionize space exploration.” states that he has.

These two types of reactions are most suitable

According to what is reported, antimatter consists of antiparticles. These antiparticles have the same mass as ordinary particles but opposite charges and quantum spins. When an antiparticle encounters its corresponding particle, they annihilate each other, releasing their combined mass as energy. This results in the most energetic reaction known in physics. In the research, scientists state that two types of antimatter reactions are especially suitable for space missions.

The first involves the interaction of antiprotons with nucleons, which include both protons and neutrons. Antiprotons are the antimatter counterpart of protons. When an antiproton encounters a nucleon such as a proton or neutron, both particles annihilate and tremendous energy is released. This reaction stands out with both its stability and high energy production. The second relevant reaction is the interaction of positrons with electrons. Here too, it is said that the reaction is stable and offers high energy efficiency.

The critical factor in choosing these reactions is that the antimatter particles can be stored safely on long-duration missions. Antiprotons and positrons meet this requirement.

300 times stronger than fusion




It is possible to reach the stars with the revolutionary antimatter rocket




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According to researchers, antimatter has a unique energy density. The power released as energy by one kilogram of antimatter, approximately 10 billion times that of conventional rocket fuels. equal. in the core of the Sun fusion from the reactions about 300 times more strong.

Researchers say a rocket powered by antimatter to 20 million meters per second states that it can provide a specific impulse of up to This represents the highest level of thrust ever imagined and is seen as a technology that could enable interstellar travel. With this speed Getting to Proxima Centauri in just 60 years possible. In addition, released from antimatter reactions 70 percent of the energy is direct thrust This makes these systems extremely efficient.

Fuel is difficult to produce

Despite all this exciting potential, antimatter fuel remains production, storage and cost still a big challenge. Current production methods fall far short of the quantities needed to propel spacecraft. At this point, it is the most promising type of antimatter. antihydrogen stands out. Antihydrogen is the simplest pure antimatter atom and attracts attention with its stability, long-term storage capacity and ease of production. However, large-scale production of antihydrogen is still under development. Researchers state that increasing this capacity is of critical importance for antimatter rockets.






Source

https://interestingengineering.com/space/antimatter-rocket-engine-300x-stronger


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666202724004518#abs0003