How to Build an Antimatter Rocket for Interstellar Missions - Systems Level Considerations in Designing Advanced Propulsion Technology Vehicles

Abstract

One of the few ways to do fast (ca. 0.5c cruise velocity) interstellar rendezvous missions is with a matter-antimatter annihilation propulsion system. This paper discusses the general mission requirements and system technologies that would be required to implement an antimatter propulsion system where a magnetic nozzle (superconducting magnet) is used to direct charged particles (from the annihilation of protons and antiprotons) to produce thrust. Scaling equations for the various system technologies are developed where, for example, system mass is a function of propulsion system power, and so on. With this data, it is possible to estimate total system masses. Finally, the scaling equations are treated parametrically to evaluate the sensitivity of changes in the performance of the various systems. For example, improvements in some system technologies can reduce the vehicle total (wet) mass by a significant amount; by contrast, changes in assumed performance in some systems can have negligible impact on overall mass, thereby providing a means for prioritizing technology development.