Applications of the Electrodynamic Tether to Interstellar Travel

From The Space Library

Revision as of 18:38, 16 January 2013 by Special:Contributions/ (Talk)
(diff) ←Older revision | Current revision (diff) | Newer revision→ (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search

Author - G.L. Matloff et al

Co-Author(s) - G. Matloff; L. Johnson

JBIS Volume # - 58

Page # - 398-402

Year - 2005

Keywords - Interstellar travel, tethers, world ships, ramscoops, thrustless turning, on-board power sources

JBIS Reference Code # - 2005.58.398

Number of Pages - 5

Abstract

After considering relevant properties of the local interstellar medium and defining a sample interstellar mission, this paper considers possible interstellar applications of the electrodynamic tether, or EDT. These include use of the EDT to provide on- board power and affect trajectory modifications and direct application of the EDT to starship acceleration. It is demonstrated that comparatively modest EDTs can provide substantial quantities of on-board power, if combined with a large-area electron- collection device such as the Cassenti toroidal-field ramscoop. More substantial tethers can be used to accomplish large- radius thrustless turns. Direct application of the EDT to starship acceleration is apparently infeasible.


To BUY this paper click here



JBIS is © 1934-2013 British Interplanetary Society -

Retrieved from "http://www.thespacelibrary.com/mediawiki/index.php/Applications_of_the_Electrodynamic_Tether_to_Interstellar_Travel"