Propulsion of Spacecraft to Relativistic Speeds Using Natural Astrophysical Sources

In this paper, we explore from a conceptual standpoint the possibility of using natural astrophysical sources to accelerate spacecraft to relativistic speeds. We focus on light sails and electric sails, which are reliant on momentum transfer from photons and protons, respectively, because these two...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Astrophysical journal 2020-05, Vol.894 (1), p.36
Main Authors: Lingam, Manasvi, Loeb, Abraham
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active galactic nuclei
Astrobiology
Astrophysics
High energy astrophysics
Interstellar medium
Interstellar spacecraft
Light speed
Massive stars
Material properties
Microquasars
Momentum transfer
Nebulae
Pulsar winds
Pulsars
Relativistic effects
Search for extraterrestrial intelligence
Solar sails
Space vehicle instruments
Spacecraft propulsion
Stellar winds
Supernovae
Technosignatures
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Summary:In this paper, we explore from a conceptual standpoint the possibility of using natural astrophysical sources to accelerate spacecraft to relativistic speeds. We focus on light sails and electric sails, which are reliant on momentum transfer from photons and protons, respectively, because these two classes of spacecraft are not required to carry fuel on board. The payload is assumed to be stationed near the astrophysical source, and the sail is subsequently unfolded and activated when the source is functional. By considering a number of astrophysical objects such as massive stars, microquasars, supernovae, pulsar wind nebulae, and active galactic nuclei, we show that terminal speeds approaching the speed of light might be realizable under idealized circumstances provided that sufficiently advanced sail materials and control techniques exist. We also investigate the constraints arising from the sail's material properties, the voyage through the ambient source environment, and the passage through the interstellar medium. While all of these considerations pose significant challenges to spacecraft, our analysis indicates that they are not insurmountable in optimal conditions. Finally, we sketch the implications for carrying out future technosignature searches.
ISSN:0004-637X
1538-4357
DOI:10.3847/1538-4357/ab7dc7