Antimatter Propulsion
Antimatter is the ultimate energy source
 |
Matter-antimatter annihilation are the highest possible physical energy density known in the universe. The ideal energy density, based on Einstein's famous equation E = mc2, or 1.8 x 1017 Joules/kilogram of matter and antimatter. The Advance Space Transportation Program has more information on antimatter propulsion. |
Antimatter Propulsion Articles
|
|
Antimatter-Initiated LiH Plasma Generated in a Penning Trap. The High Performance Antimatter Trap (HiPAT) has begin first-stage propulsion demonstrations with 5 x 10^9 antiprotons. The prototype of an antimatter-initiated lithium hydride (LiH) plasma thruster uses expansion and expulsion LiH plasmas using magnetic confinement. |
|
|
AIMSTAR: Antimatter Initiated Microfusion for Pre-cursor Interstellar Missions. Antimatter would deliver scientific payload to 10,000 A.U. in 50 years, the pre-cursor to later missions to Alpha Centauri and beyond. Antiprotons spark the small nuclear fusion engine. |
 |
Antiproton Production for Near-term Propulsion Applications. NASA assessment of antimatter requirements for six different types of propulsion systems, including two concepts in which antiprotons are used as a "catalyst" for fusion-based thrust production. |
 |
Antiproton-Catalyzed Microfission/Fusion Propulsion Systems for Exploration of the Outer Solar System and Beyond An antiproton-catalyzed micro-fission/fusion (ACMF) engine for propulsive power has been designed. Details, including Isp, thrust, structural features, power systems, radiation shields, ion drivers, payload and system masses, are reviewed. |
 |
Antiproton Production and Trapping for Space Propulsion Applications. Antiprotons for space propulsion based upon Fermilab production rates and experiments on trapping, confinement, and transport of large quantities of antiprotons. |
 |
Antiproton Portable Traps and Medical Applications. Antiprotons are used for medical application such as production of radioisotopes for PET, radiography & radiotherapy. The specifications of a portable antiproton trap (Penning trap) are discussed. |
The military has dozens of workable designs for anti-matter rockets. Using exiting technology, the antimatter production cost is estimated to be $60 trillion/gram.