THE ATTAINABILITY OF THE STARS,
Abstract
The yet hypothetical quantum-rockets have jet-velocities equal to the velocity of light, so that also their flight velocities may approach the optic velocity. From the laws of classical mechanics, there would follow that the limited human life-time and the limited mass-ratio of the rocket would permit ranges of some tenths of light years, i.e., over a very limited space of our galaxy and to the very next fixed stars only. From the laws of relativistic mechanics however follows for those very near optic-velocities a considerable dilation of proper time on board of the vehicle relative to the terrestrial time, so that life of the crew and action of the rocket-motor occur slower, than would correspond to terrestrial time-scale. From this follows that within the life-span of the crew and with limited mass-ratios of the rocket, every thinkable distance in space, up to the nebulae millions of light-years distant can be covered, so that, expressed in technical terms, and from the standpoint of the crew, the vehicle seems to be able to move with considerable super optic-velocity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 1956
- Accession Number
- AD0605792
Entities
People
- Eugen Sanger
Organizations
- RAND Corporation