Space travel propulsion...

['upxare]

Its all too farfetched yet. Obama has introduced the new path for US manned missions. It includes the design of a spacecraft, capable to carry humans to asteorids, the mars and virtually anywhere else within the solar system. In comparison what we got nowadays, that design would have to come up with an advanced propulsion and life supporting system. There are already quite advanced concepts of propulsion systems on the plate. I'd personally prefer the fusion drive as the next step to come.
George H Miley Presentation on Nuclear Fusion Rockets and Spaceplanes (http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/03/george-h-miley-presentation-on-nuclear.html)

[Afkeu]

Its all too farfetched yet. Obama has introduced the new path for US manned missions. It includes the design of a spacecraft, capable to carry humans to asteorids, the mars and virtually anywhere else within the solar system. In comparison what we got nowadays, that design would have to come up with an advanced propulsion and life supporting system. There are already quite advanced concepts of propulsion systems on the plate. I'd personally prefer the fusion drive as the next step to come.
George H Miley Presentation on Nuclear Fusion Rockets and Spaceplanes (http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/03/george-h-miley-presentation-on-nuclear.html)

Do I smell a pessimist? Or a defeatist? Whats wrong with putting some money towards developing FTL travel technologies while we explore the solar system? We will need them in the long run so why not start now and get a head start so when the demand finally gets here we have the supply to meet it, so to speak.

[Prometheus]

Its all too farfetched yet. Obama has introduced the new path for US manned missions. It includes the design of a spacecraft, capable to carry humans to asteorids, the mars and virtually anywhere else within the solar system. In comparison what we got nowadays, that design would have to come up with an advanced propulsion and life supporting system. There are already quite advanced concepts of propulsion systems on the plate. I'd personally prefer the fusion drive as the next step to come.
George H Miley Presentation on Nuclear Fusion Rockets and Spaceplanes (http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/03/george-h-miley-presentation-on-nuclear.html)

It all sounds exciting, but this reliance on what is essentially 900 year old technology is just a waste of time. All the designs they've come up with need a tremendous amount of work done on them. Even with fusion rockets, it'll still take upto 4 months to get to Mars...and that's when it's at its closest to our planet. Would you want to spend 4 months holed up in a tin can and at the mercy of all the hazards that are present out there. Or would you rather take off from Earth and get there, at a very leisurely cruise, in a few hours?? Or better still, want to go and see Gliese 581e (it's 20ly away), jump to warp and get there in a few days:)

Develop magnetogravitic drives and such types of propulsion instead of playing around with old ideas and ridiculously low levels of propulsive power, and we'll be getting somewhere, instead of floating around in LEO like little kids in a wading pool.

[Afkeu]

It all sounds exciting, but this reliance on what is essentially 900 year old technology is just a waste of time. All the designs they've come up with need a tremendous amount of work done on them. Even with fusion rockets, it'll still take upto 4 months to get to Mars...and that's when it's at its closest to our planet. Would you want to spend 4 months holed up in a tin can and at the mercy of all the hazards that are present out there. Or would you rather take off from Earth and get there, at a very leisurely cruise, in a few hours?? Or better still, want to go and see Gliese 581e (it's 20ly away), jump to warp and get there in a few days:)

Develop magnetogravitic drives and such types of propulsion instead of playing around with old ideas and ridiculously low levels of propulsive power, and we'll be getting somewhere, instead of floating around in LEO like little kids in a wading pool.
Well said!

Thats one of the reasons I am going into Physics/Astronomy! Unfortunately I don't have much to add to the discussion, but those Ferro-super-fluids sound really amazing! Are they really totally frictionless? Or is friction just so small that it might as well be zero?

[Spock]

Its all too farfetched yet. Obama has introduced the new path for US manned missions. It includes the design of a spacecraft, capable to carry humans to asteorids, the mars and virtually anywhere else within the solar system. In comparison what we got nowadays, that design would have to come up with an advanced propulsion and life supporting system. There are already quite advanced concepts of propulsion systems on the plate. I'd personally prefer the fusion drive as the next step to come.
George H Miley Presentation on Nuclear Fusion Rockets and Spaceplanes (http://nextbigfuture.com/2010/03/george-h-miley-presentation-on-nuclear.html)

Sorry, but I think you a perfect example of why humanity is being held back. You immediately shutter something new and innovative like FTL. When the reality is, decades of hard research and theoretical engineering may see it happen. Have some faith, support the theoretical physicists, FTL work will save our race if it is allowed to go ahead, if not, then the future is uncertain.

['upxare]

Sorry, but I think you a perfect example of why humanity is being held back. You immediately shutter something new and innovative like FTL. When the reality is, decades of hard research and theoretical engineering may see it happen. Have some faith, support the theoretical physicists, FTL work will save our race if it is allowed to go ahead, if not, then the future is uncertain.

I didn't know vulcans have the capability to insult others (first sentence)! You got me entirely wrong, no one else wish to see FTL more than I do. In my storyline (sequel of Avatar), I've mentioned humans capability to travel faster than light in the newly created time line - the one where society has managed to overcome capitalism. And thats the problem we face: as long
as we are trapped in the claws of artificially limited resources (money), scientifical progress will remain slow. And you ll see, no government nor company will introduce even a fusion powered spacecraft in the next couple of decades. Instead, they'll likely select a step even in between, probably the ion drive. We either need to replace capitalism with a more efficient and advanced economic or attract the private industry to get into space and pour enormous resources into the development of advanced propulsion systems. Or, for example, if astronomers confirm a second earth in a nearby solar system. Anyway, there has to be a massive motivational impulse to us in order to get the necessary resources shifted to the development of FTL drives.

[Afkeu]

I didn't know vulcans have the capability to insult others (first sentence)! You got me entirely wrong, no one else wish to see FTL more than I do. In my storyline (sequel of Avatar), I've mentioned humans capability to travel faster than light in the newly created time line - the one where society has managed to overcome capitalism. And thats the problem we face: as long
as we are trapped in the claws of artificially limited resources (money), scientifical progress will remain slow. And you ll see, no government nor company will introduce even a fusion powered spacecraft in the next couple of decades. Instead, they'll likely select a step even in between, probably the ion drive. We either need to replace capitalism with a more efficient and advanced economic or attract the private industry to get into space and pour enormous resources into the development of advanced propulsion systems. Or, for example, if astronomers confirm a second earth in a nearby solar system. Anyway, there has to be a massive motivational impulse to us in order to get the necessary resources shifted to the development of FTL drives.

I think there was discussion about this in some other thread, but if a nearby planet was found that looked like there was a very high chance of supporting life (i.e. within the habitable zone, has a atmosphere of oxygen, and has liquid water), then that would spark another space race. I agree that capitalism is the problem but I still stand by what I said that we should still put money towards research of FTL travel.

['upxare]

I think there was discussion about this in some other thread, but if a nearby planet was found that looked like there was a very high chance of supporting life (i.e. within the habitable zone, has a atmosphere of oxygen, and has liquid water), then that would spark another space race. I agree that capitalism is the problem but I still stand by what I said that we should still put money towards research of FTL travel.

Thats what I say. But what we wish and what the industrialists and gov wish is a different topic. I only see a chance for sponsored FTL research if the industry/govs see a distinctive advantage of doing so - and that could be, as said, a nearby habitable world.

[visualizer]

We either need to replace capitalism with a more efficient and advanced economic or attract the private industry to get into space and pour enormous resources into the development of advanced propulsion systems.


I agree that capitalism is the problem but I still stand by what I said that we should still put money towards research of FTL travel.


But what we wish and what the industrialists and gov wish is a different topic.

I'm sorry, but you guys are sorely misinformed... Capitalism is probably the best thing that ever happened to the aerospace industry! NASA has been in charge for quite some time, but now that technology has advanced, private corporations have stepped into the arena. Do some research on SpaceX and Virgin Galactic and you'll see that they are advancing in cheap and powerful propulsion systems at a much faster rate than ANY government. In case you missed the news, in 2006 SpaceX was the first private corporation to successfully launch a liquid fuel rocket into orbit (not to mention that it cost 10 times less than it would take for NASA to do the same). In fact, SpaceX was so successful that NASA is closing down many parts of its rocket program and buying rides to space via SpaceX's rockets (mostly because it is cheaper, so NASA's funds can be focused more on the missions and less on escaping earth's gravity).

With capitalism now getting a good hold on aerospace, there will be a lot of competition. Competition creates an environment for increased innovation and lowers prices significantly. I can't speak for everyone, but I can firmly say that I support capitalism.

['upxare]

...

With capitalism now getting a good hold on aerospace, there will be a lot of competition. Competition creates an environment for increased innovation and lowers prices significantly. I can't speak for everyone, but I can firmly say that I support capitalism.


Without capitalism there wouldn't be the constant cost pressure on Nasa, Esa and all those privately sponsored ventures. How many times the private space companies had to redesign their transportation concept in order to get something cost efficient into the assembly hall? The biggest problem for space programs has been always its COST. The problem needs to be tackled from its roots - and thats the replacement of the current monetary system. This won't come before the next - and likely final - economical crisis.

[Spock]

I'm sorry, but you guys are sorely misinformed... Capitalism is probably the best thing that ever happened to the aerospace industry! NASA has been in charge for quite some time, but now that technology has advanced, private corporations have stepped into the arena. Do some research on SpaceX and Virgin Galactic and you'll see that they are advancing in cheap and powerful propulsion systems at a much faster rate than ANY government. In case you missed the news, in 2006 SpaceX was the first private corporation to successfully launch a liquid fuel rocket into orbit (not to mention that it cost 10 times less than it would take for NASA to do the same). In fact, SpaceX was so successful that NASA is closing down many parts of its rocket program and buying rides to space via SpaceX's rockets (mostly because it is cheaper, so NASA's funds can be focused more on the missions and less on escaping earth's gravity).

With capitalism now getting a good hold on aerospace, there will be a lot of competition. Competition creates an environment for increased innovation and lowers prices significantly. I can't speak for everyone, but I can firmly say that I support capitalism.

Where the **** did you come from? Virigin Galactic only run pointless space tourism flights, NASA pioneer space exploration, mining, and colonization. Capitalism can get as much of a hold as it likes, but at the end of the day, its just tourism. I would agree with capitalism if they would pioneer projects like space mining and the like.


Without capitalism there wouldn't be the constant cost pressure on Nasa, Esa and all those privately sponsored ventures. How many times the private space companies had to redesign their transportation concept in order to get something cost efficient into the assembly hall? The biggest problem for space programs has been always its COST. The problem needs to be tackled from its roots - and thats the replacement of the current monetary system. This won't come before the next - and likely final - economical crisis.

Under communism there was more pressure, get the space ship up, here is the time limit. If you don't run to that schedule you get a bullet next wednesday. :rotfl: Something like this is what should happen, get them working off their arses. As a socialist though (not a communist) it is my duty to support a socialist space programme and the advantages it could bring to the fore.

['upxare]

...



Under communism there was more pressure, get the space ship up, here is the time limit. If you don't run to that schedule you get a bullet next wednesday. :rotfl: Something like this is what should happen, get them working off their arses. As a socialist though (not a communist) it is my duty to support a socialist space programme and the advantages it could bring to the fore.

Good point but what I would suggest is something even beyond socialism, more something like a economy illustrated in star trek. Sounds far fetched, yeah - I agree - but only such a society could bring up the means to get really into space, and with REALLY, I mean developing a FTL drive, advanced life support systems and a >1000 t spacecraft to get a crew far beyond the edge of our solar system.

Capitalism had been created when ressources on earth were thought to be abundant, so to make goods valuable, they needed to be limited by its equivalent monetary value. As we all know, times have changed in the last 200 years and these principles simply won't work anymore.

[Afkeu]

Good point but what I would suggest is something even beyond socialism, more something like a economy illustrated in star trek. Sounds far fetched, yeah - I agree - but only such a society could bring up the means to get really into space, and with REALLY, I mean developing a FTL drive, advanced life support systems and a >1000 t spacecraft to get a crew far beyond the edge of our solar system.

Capitalism had been created when ressources on earth were thought to be abundant, so to make goods valuable, they needed to be limited by its equivalent monetary value. As we all know, times have changed in the last 200 years and these principles simply won't work anymore.

Wow we have gotten so off topic... Hey Prometheus, if you read this could you answer my question on the previous page?

EDIT: LOL Your [prometheus] profile says "replying to space travel propulsion" :nsmile:

[Prometheus]

Well said!

Thats one of the reasons I am going into Physics/Astronomy! Unfortunately I don't have much to add to the discussion, but those Ferro-super-fluids sound really amazing! Are they really totally frictionless? Or is friction just so small that it might as well be zero?

They're totally frictionless. They have to be completely contained in a non porous container as they can flow up and out of an open container, and if it's porous they can flow completely out through the pores.

For example, if you pour liquid helium into a cup (carefully so as not to spill it), it will flow up the sides of the cup and form a puddle outside of the cup:)

[Afkeu]

They're totally frictionless. They have to be completely contained in a non porous container as they can flow up and out of an open container, and if it's porous they can flow completely out through the pores.

For example, if you pour liquid helium into a cup (carefully so as not to spill it), it will flow up the sides of the cup and form a puddle outside of the cup:)

Thats totally amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL5BTNso9i0

This video I found is also very interesting, it is similar to the one you posted, and is by the same person. However it explains things slightly differently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJJ-4lnwrck

Also this one is linked to at the beginning of the above video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4I5mgBKPZY

[Afkeu]

So Does anyone have any ideas about a Magnetic SuperFluid? (Could be called a Super FerroFluid)
Evidently mercury will not cooperate without a fight as it freezes solid well before 150K
What we need is something that is gaseous at room temperature (edit: and also has ferromagnetic properties when in liquid form). That way when we cool it to 150K it will still be a liquid; just like helium is a liquid at 150K.

[visualizer]

Where the **** did you come from? Virigin Galactic only run pointless space tourism flights, NASA pioneer space exploration, mining, and colonization. Capitalism can get as much of a hold as it likes, but at the end of the day, its just tourism. I would agree with capitalism if they would pioneer projects like space mining and the like.


I don't understand why you're being so hostile :/ This information you're giving is completely false. Virgin Galactic paved the way for new re-entry vehicles. Burt Rutan (the designer of SpaceShipOne) created the new wing design that allowed for CHEAPER and more efficient reentry. Just because Virgin Galactic turned to space tourism doesn't mean it represents capitalism as a whole. They played their part in furthering space flight technology, and now new ones will step up, SpaceX being one of them. Not to mention that SpaceX's number one customer is NASA, not tourists.

Also, space mining is irrelevant in today's world. When we DO need it, capitalism will push the technology ahead as needed. There is no point in researching in something that we have no use for. Earth is, and will continue to be, abundant in commonly mined materials. Cost wise, it is MUCH more efficient to recycle the already mined material that we aren't using instead of going out in to space to mine it.

Sorry if I sounded angry, argue-some, or the like, but I'm just trying to point out that your research is incomplete and sometimes false.

And to reply to the topic at hand:

I've read some about ferrofluids. Cool stuff :) If you Google "How to make your own ferrofluid" there are some interesting links (just be aware that this has some health risk, so be very careful if you actually make the stuff)

and here is an absolutely amazing video of ferrofluids at work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me5Zzm2TXh4

[Spock]

I don't understand why you're being so hostile :/ This information you're giving is completely false. Virgin Galactic paved the way for new re-entry vehicles. Burt Rutan (the designer of SpaceShipOne) created the new wing design that allowed for CHEAPER and more efficient reentry. Just because Virgin Galactic turned to space tourism doesn't mean it represents capitalism as a whole. They played their part in furthering space flight technology, and now new ones will step up, SpaceX being one of them. Not to mention that SpaceX's number one customer is NASA, not tourists.

Ok, I'm sorry, I am just quite cynical. I did not dispute their success in technology development I merely stated how pointless space tourism is at the present.



Also, space mining is irrelevant in today's world. When we DO need it, capitalism will push the technology ahead as needed. There is no point in researching in something that we have no use for. Earth is, and will continue to be, abundant in commonly mined materials. Cost wise, it is MUCH more efficient to recycle the already mined material that we aren't using instead of going out in to space to mine it.

That is when it will be too late. Capitalism lacks long term intuition, unlike socialism. The technology needs to be developed and put into use now!



Sorry if I sounded angry, argue-some, or the like, but I'm just trying to point out that your research is incomplete and sometimes false.

And to reply to the topic at hand:

I've read some about ferrofluids. Cool stuff :) If you Google "How to make your own ferrofluid" there are some interesting links (just be aware that this has some health risk, so be very careful if you actually make the stuff)

and here is an absolutely amazing video of ferrofluids at work: YouTube - Sachiko Kodama, Yasushi Miyajima "Morpho Towers -- Two Stand (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me5Zzm2TXh4)

:victory:

['upxare]

Good news: Our world still got some visioneers!
SPACE.com -- Futuristic Interstellar Space Probe Idea Revisited (http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/interstellar-space-probe-gains-speed-100507.html#comments)

[Prometheus]

Good news: Our world still got some visioneers!
SPACE.com -- Futuristic Interstellar Space Probe Idea Revisited (http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/interstellar-space-probe-gains-speed-100507.html#comments)

Visionary??. Hardly. All it is, is just a rehash of a 40 year old idea from the BIS. I knew about Project Daedelus when I was in primary school. They're just going over the old proposal and updating it to make it sound more feasible in today's technical parlance.

Big whoopee!!!

Let's see some really visionary work...why don't they spend the time to figure out Heim Theory and such, then start to work on real drive systems and not these mamby-pamby glorified fireworks.

['upxare]

Visionary??. Hardly. All it is, is just a rehash of a 40 year old idea from the BIS. I knew about Project Daedelus when I was in primary school. They're just going over the old proposal and updating it to make it sound more feasible in today's technical parlance.

Big whoopee!!!

Let's see some really visionary work...why don't they spend the time to figure out Heim Theory and such, then start to work on real drive systems and not these mamby-pamby glorified fireworks.

The theory might be from the 1970's, that doesnt mean that they didnt have good ideas at that time. As the article says, the essence is to combine these ideas with nowadays technology and we can get to another star system within this century. Guys, I also wish we would be able to ignite a warp field and go to the stars within hours - but such technology is only possible if we get rid of capitalism and therefore the limits on ressources.

[Prometheus]

You don't "ignite" a warp field, and warp technology will come about in spite (and despite) of the economic regime that's present.

['upxare]

You don't "ignite" a warp field, and warp technology will come about in spite (and despite) of the economic regime that's present.

I kinda disagree. The pace of technological advancement IS related to the economic 'regime'. Tell me how and why someone nowadays should design a warp drive? Not even the biggest governments have the funds and the political will to do so. Money limits us - and therefore our potential.

[Jake's Mango]

The problem is that the states don't work as a team, that way we were able to make big succeeds in every technological aspect.

['upxare]

The presence of money as a stockable 'good' makes people greedy, the effect spreads to companies as well as nations. Money (quick profits or/and low costs) counts and nothing else. As long as it stays this way, we won't make it to the stars.

[Afkeu]

The presence of money as a stockable 'good' makes people greedy, the effect spreads to companies as well as nations. Money (quick profits or/and low costs) counts and nothing else. As long as it stays this way, we won't make it to the stars.

As I said before, The discovery of a planet that is extremely likely to harbour life (ie. has the spectral signatures of water and oxygen, etc. and is within the habitable zone of it's star) , or at least be habitable, would spark another space race; except this time it might have a more extended timeline seeing as leaving the solar system is no small feat at the moment.

['upxare]

As I said before, The discovery of a planet that is extremely likely to harbour life (ie. has the spectral signatures of water and oxygen, etc. and is within the habitable zone of it's star) , or at least be habitable, would spark another space race; except this time it might have a more extended timeline seeing as leaving the solar system is no small feat at the moment.

Once such a planet has been discovered, a study will be made and reveals the cost of such a venture. And everyone will ask how someone - and who can pay the bill. And the bill will be huge, especially in the post-financial crisis time.

[Afkeu]

And the bill will be huge

The Bill will likely be exponentially greater than the US's current deficit - which is a lot...

['upxare]

The Bill will likely be exponentially greater than the US's current deficit - which is a lot...

Exactly. Thats why we gotta change the foundation (means the economic system) before we can think about to build a warp capable ship. And the current and ongoing financial crisis and the possibility of collapsing nations shows us how urgent we have to act - to replace the current system by one more suitable for the needs and challanges of this century and the ones to come.

[Prometheus]

I kinda disagree. The pace of technological advancement IS related to the economic 'regime'. Tell me how and why someone nowadays should design a warp drive? Not even the biggest governments have the funds and the political will to do so. Money limits us - and therefore our potential.

The pace of technological advancement has nothing to do with the economic regime...you don't understand how technological progress works. If it was tied into the economic regime, we'd still be using steam engines and horse and carts. You want to know what creates great leaps in technology???. War. Does it all the time, and during wartime, normal economies take a back seat as everything is geared towards prosecuting the war. If the economics of the world ran every war that occurred, you'd never be able to afford one. Those that do, i.e. both the Gulf wars and Afghanistan, end up nearly bankrupting the country which starts them. A warp drive will be invented despite the economics of the time, however, it's implementation is another matter altogether. That, like anything else, is driven by economics...you may have the technology but can you afford to use it.

[Tsyal Makto]

The Bill will likely be exponentially greater than the US's current deficit - which is a lot...

*Sigh* Gotta love money-based economics.:nconfused:

[tanhì Makto]

Some really intriguing ideas here,half of them I don't really understand (never was one for Physics) But interesting nonetheless.

[Spock]

Anyone else want to chime in with an opinion or idea? It's never to late to do so. :)

[ateyo 'uniltiranyu]

Anyone else want to chime in with an opinion or idea? It's never to late to do so. :)

Has anyone seriously considered a propulsion systems powered by zero point energy? The possibility's are virtually limitless and energy can be harvested from the zero point field virtually anywhere.

[Afkeu]

Has anyone seriously considered a propulsion systems powered by zero point energy? The possibility's are virtually limitless and energy can be harvested from the zero point field virtually anywhere.
I actually know next to nothing about zero-point energy. I will have to read up on that at some point.

P.S. WOW it has been a while since I was here... (on this forum)

[ateyo 'uniltiranyu]

I actually know next to nothing about zero-point energy. I will have to read up on that at some point.

P.S. WOW it has been a while since I was here... (on this forum)

I would highly recommend it. Contrary to widespread belief, space is not empty but contains a vast "sea" of energy at the quantum level. This is the same energy that propels photons through space at 186,000 miles per second and that glues together the protons and neutrons in an atom. If one could figure out how to harness this energy the possibilities would be endless. Despite its potential, there are still very few scientific institutions currently pursuing zero point energy technology that I know of; which is quite disappointing to me. Our civilization needs to get its priorities straight...

One of the most immense hurdles preventing interstellar space travel is 1) Carrying enough fuel to get to a nearby star system and 2) Emitting enough energy to get there in a reasonable amount of time. Because the amount of energy you can harvest from the Zero Point Field is virtually limitless, this proposal would solve both problems at once.

I don't know about you guys but I would like to seriously look into the possibility of a mechanism capable of harvesting this energy.

[tm20]

this maybe of interest to some. i recently saw a show where they talked to one of the guys involved in the Hayabusa space mission and he explained how the propulsion system works. it shoots xenon gas at high speeds through an electric field

JAXA | The Potential of Ion Engines (http://www.jaxa.jp/article/special/hayabusa/kuninaka_e.html)

[visualizer]

Has anyone seriously considered a propulsion systems powered by zero point energy? The possibility's are virtually limitless and energy can be harvested from the zero point field virtually anywhere.

The reason no one is pursuing this seriously is because most of the physics surrounding this is still very hypothetical. To get there, we have to take baby steps. Our next step is fusion power, and we are making impressive progress on that.


this maybe of interest to some. i recently saw a show where they talked to one of the guys involved in the Hayabusa space mission and he explained how the propulsion system works. it shoots xenon gas at high speeds through an electric field

That is an ion engine. That technology has been around for decades, but only recently has seen big improvements. I believe it's already the standard for far-traveling space probes and the like.

I'm actually content with our current progress in these two fields. Human space travel on the other hand, I think it needs a push.

[ateyo 'uniltiranyu]

I'm actually content with our current progress in these two fields. Human space travel on the other hand, I think it needs a push.

Human space travel is definitely a lot more complicated than unmanned space travel; this is mainly due to the fact that many fields in technology have some catching up to do. For example, even if we were able to reach 60% the speed of light with a future propulsion system, we would need to find a way to sustain ourselves in space for however long it would take to reach our desired destination (If we were traveling to Alpha Centauri it would still take well over 4 years to get there at 60% the speed of light). We need to focus particularly on technology that would allow us to grow food in space and shield the ship from radiation. There has already been considerable progress in self sustaining food sources, the only remaining hurdles are that of a radiation shield and a faster means of getting to our destination. For radiation shielding, thick armor is impractical because of the complications of getting it into space because obviously it would have to be very thick and heavy. To shield ourselves from radiation, we need something more along the lines of a high intensity EM field, which would require roughly the energy output of a fusion reactor. In order for us to develop practical space travel, an efficient fusion reactor is key. It would provide enough energy for the propulsion system and the radiation system all at once I imagine.

[Spock]

I'm glad this thread of mine is still going. That Zero-point drive technology is particularly interesting. I am also very excited about Nuclear Fusion reactors.

[ateyo 'uniltiranyu]

I'm glad this thread of mine is still going. That Zero-point drive technology is particularly interesting. I am also very excited about Nuclear Fusion reactors.

So do I, I look forward to the near future when scientists perfect fusion technology. It's quite exciting to see how much progress we've made in this area over the last 50 or so years.

[Neytiri te Chaka Mo'at'it]

Just out of curiosity is mostly everyone here working in theoretical physics?

And im also pretty sure its the Tachyon, but it could be anything, so yeah, i mean quarks, gluons, bosons, tachyons, im pretty sure i also heard graviton thrown around somewhere.

[ateyo 'uniltiranyu]

Just out of curiosity is mostly everyone here working in theoretical physics?

And im also pretty sure its the Tachyon, but it could be anything, so yeah, i mean quarks, gluons, bosons, tachyons, im pretty sure i also heard graviton thrown around somewhere.

Not yet, but I'm planning on studying it as soon as I start college, I mostly read about it a lot when I'm bored.

P.S. I'm pretty sure Tachyons don't exist except in a hypothetical sense (As in a particle that travels faster than light, but there is no such particle).

[Spock]

Not yet, but I'm planning on studying it as soon as I start college, I mostly read about it a lot when I'm bored.

P.S. I'm pretty sure Tachyons don't exist except in a hypothetical sense (As in a particle that travels faster than light, but there is no such particle).

Go forth and be brilliant.

[seykxel txe´lan]

Go forth and be brilliant.
pffffft hahahhahaha nice bro made my day :P