How Far Could A Spaceship Go If We Never Ran Out Of Thrust?

How Far Could A Spaceship Go If We Never Ran Out Of Thrust?

8/21/2021

link

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/12/30/how-far-could-a-spaceship-go-if-we-never-ran-out-of-thrust/

summary

This Forbes article explores the hypothetical scenario of a spaceship that never runs out of thrust and examines how far it could potentially travel. It starts by explaining the concept of specific impulse, which is a measure of how efficient a rocket engine is in terms of fuel consumption. The article then delves into the various propulsion systems and technologies that could potentially allow a spaceship to achieve continuous thrust, such as ion propulsion and nuclear propulsion. It discusses the challenges and limitations associated with each technology. The article concludes by speculating about the potential destinations and distances that such a spaceship could reach if it had an unlimited supply of thrust, including nearby star systems and even neighboring galaxies.

tags

space exploration ꞏ spacecraft propulsion ꞏ space travel ꞏ interstellar travel ꞏ rocket science ꞏ physics ꞏ astronomy ꞏ astrophysics ꞏ space technology ꞏ space missions ꞏ space propulsion systems ꞏ propulsion methods ꞏ deep space exploration ꞏ theoretical physics ꞏ spacecraft engines ꞏ space engineering ꞏ propulsion efficiency ꞏ space travel limitations ꞏ future of space travel ꞏ space travel sustainability ꞏ space travel challenges ꞏ space travel feasibility ꞏ interstellar propulsion ꞏ interplanetary travel ꞏ spacecraft design ꞏ spacecraft performance ꞏ space propulsion technologies ꞏ spacecraft propulsion systems ꞏ space mission planning ꞏ spacecraft trajectory ꞏ propulsion concepts ꞏ space exploration technology ꞏ space travel concepts ꞏ space travel innovation ꞏ space travel possibilities ꞏ space travel calculations ꞏ space mission duration ꞏ space mission efficiency ꞏ space mission propulsion ꞏ spacecraft fuel efficiency ꞏ spacecraft velocity ꞏ spacecraft acceleration ꞏ space mission constraints ꞏ space mission distance ꞏ space mission feasibility