Kinematic and Spectroscopic Constraints on the Origin of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS: An Ablative Propulsion Model

Kevin Thorsen Baird

2026.079.0110

DOI https://doi.org/10.59332/jbis-079-03-0110

Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1) exhibits spectroscopic and kinematic signatures that deviate significantly from known natural cometary models. The object originates from the metal-poor galactic Thick Disk yet displays heavy-metal-rich composition with complete Iron/Nickel dissociation (Fe/Ni ≈ 0.02:1 vs. solar 1.8:1), a 400,000 km collimated sunward jet exceeding solar-wind pressure limits, and three-fold rotational symmetry in venting geometry. These anomalies cannot be simultaneously explained by thermal sublimation or fragmentation. This paper proposes an ablative propulsion mechanism utilizing a solid-state core with harvested volatile reaction mass. We analyze updated astrometry [Eubanks et al. 2025] indicating positive transverse acceleration (+A2), consistent with an orbital energy injection maneuver rather than passive decay. Two falsifiable predictions are offered for May 2026.

Keywords: Interstellar Objects, Non-Gravitational Acceleration, Technosignatures, Ablative Propulsion, 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1)