Is there an antimatter rocket in your future?
Propelling spaceships with antimatter may be closer to reality than you think.
Published:
October 21, 2006
Star Trek fans rejoice. Antimatter — the stuff that drives Captain Kirk's USS Enterprise in the 23rd century — is moving a step closer to spaceflight reality.
Antimatter holds an obvious appeal for rocket scientists. The mutual annihilation of matter with the same mass of antimatter offers the highest energy density known. Just 100 milligrams of antimatter contains the energy expended in a single space-shuttle launch. |
You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.
Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?
If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will
need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.
Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!
|
|
Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!
- Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
- Get full access to StarDome PLUS
- Columnist articles
- Search and view our equipment review archive
- Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
- BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
- Much more!
|