CONTENTS
(Volume 80, Science and Technology Series,
Prospects for Interstellar
Travel
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vii
PREFACE AND GUIDE FOR READERS ix
Preface ix
Guide for this Book xi
Introductory Glossary xiii
Synopsis of the Book xv
INTRODUCTION TO INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL 1
0.1 Travel to the Stars 1
0.2 Science, Technology, and Interstellar Travel 3
0.3 First Look at Possible Interstellar Missions 6
CHAPTER 1: BASICS OF TRAVEL IN SPACE 11
1.1 Mechanics of Space Travel 11
1.2 Rocket Propulsion 14
1.3 Mission Design Using Rockets 18
1.4 Gravity and Circular Motion 21
1.5 Rockets and Energy 23
1.6 Gravitational Assistance 29
1.7 Further Considerations for Interstellar Travel 33
CHAPTER 2: ADVANCED PROPULSION METHODS 35
2.1 Energy Sources: Solar 35
2.2 Solar-Powered Mission 38
2.3 Energy Sources: Nuclear Fission 41
2.4 Energy Sources: Nuclear Fusion 43
2.5 Fusion Propulsion 47
2.6 Electric Ion Propulsion 52
2.7 Electromagnetic Mass Driver and Other Mass Ejectors 55
2.8 Solar Sails 58
2.9 Runways and Pellet Streams 64
CHAPTER 3: RELATIVITY AND INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL 67
3.1 Einstein’s Relativity in Physics 67
3.2 Effects on Mass, Length, and Time 70
3.3 Optical Effects 73
3.4 Apparent Paradox of Twins 75
3.5 Relativistic Motion 77
3.6 Relativistic Rocket Equation 80
3.7 Relativistic Transforms of Speed and Other Quantities 81
3.8 Relativistic Energy and Momentum 83
CHAPTER 4: RELATIVISTIC DRIVES AND PROBLEMS 87
4.1 Sunbeams 87
4.2 Laser and Microwave Beams and Large-Scale Optics 89
4.3 Photon Drive 92
4.4 Total Conversion and Anti-Matter Reaction 93
4.5 Anti-Matter Drive and Production 96
4.6 Missions with Anti-Matter 99
4.7 Interstellar Gas and Dust 101
4.8 Interstellar Electric and Magnetic Fields and Their Use 105
4.9 Interstellar Ramjets 110
4.10 Summary of Propulsion, and Beyond 116
CHAPTER 5: STARSHIPS AS SYSTEMS 119
5.1 Engineering Rules 119
5.2 Starship as System 122
5.3 Starship Size and Big Subsystems 125
5.4 Fine Subsystems 129
5.5 Subsystems for Basic Human Needs 131
5.6 Subsystems for Advanced Human Needs 133
5.7 Staging and Landing 135
5.8 Optimization and More Engineering 136
CHAPTER 6: MISSIONS 139
6.1 Destinations 139
6.2 Nearby Stars and Possible Planets 142
6.3 Scientific Opportunities 148
6.4 Human Missions 151
6.5 Simple Probes 154
6.6 Advanced Probes 157
6.7 Self-Reproducing Probes and Diffusion 160
6.8 Large Colony Ships 163
CHAPTER 7: ASTROGATION, OBSERVATION, AND COMMUNICATION 167
7.1 Location 167
7.2 Astrogation 168
7.3 Maneuvers 171
7.4 Active Detection 173
7.5 Passive Observation and SETI 174
7.6 Communication 178
7.7 More Relativistic Considerations 181
CHAPTER 8: TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS AND HAZARDS 183
8.1 Closed Systems and Leakage 183
8.2 Deterioration and Reliability 186
8.3 Conservation, Repair, and Replacement 190
8.4 Equipment, Stores, and Materials 195
8.5 Radiation Damage, Erosion, and Shielding 196
8.6 Computers and Self-Reproduction 202
8.7 Data Storage 205
8.8 Breakdowns 206
8.9 Transport 208
CHAPTER 9: BIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS 211
9.1 Physical Requirements of Life in Closed Systems 211
9.2 Artificial Gee 214
9.3 Food and Ecosystem 215
9.4 Waste Recycling 221
9.5 Generations and Lifetimes 223
9.6 Radiation and Other Hazards 225
9.7 Health 227
9.8 Large Colony Ships 229
CHAPTER 10: PERSONAL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS 231
10.1 People for an Interstellar Mission 231
10.2 Psychological Considerations 236
10.3 Command and Community 240
10.4 Social and Philosophical Context 242
10.5 Political and Economic Context 244
10.6 Cost Estimates 248
10.7 Technical Programs 253
CHAPTER 11: INTERSTELLAR LIFE AND CIVILIZATIONS 257
11.1 Estimating Other Civilizations 258
11.2 The Fermi Paradox or Dilemma 261
11.3 Radio Search and Communication 264
11.4 If They Travel and Visit 269
11.5 Habitable Planets 272
11.6 Origin and Evolution of Life 276
11.7 Galactic Civilization (Ours and Theirs) 279
11.8 Visiting Other Worlds 284
CHAPTER 12: LONG-TERM PROSPECTS 287
12.1 Advances in Science and Technology 287
12.2 More Energy 293
12.3 Distorting Space-Time 296
12.4 Space-Ground Transport 299
12.5 Still Wilder Ideas 301
12.6 Conclusions on Starships and Missions 303
12.7 Conclusions in Social and Political Context 306
MATHEMATICAL APPENDICES 311
A. Unit System, Powers of Ten, Conversions, and Constants 313
B. Classical Physics 316
C. Relativistic Travel 321
D. Other Selected Topics 327
E. Programs and Printout Tables of Results for Rocket Motion 331
BIBLIOGRAPHY 341
INDEX 365
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 370