Optimum Interstellar Travel Times For Pulsed Fusion Propulsion Systems
£5.00
R. J. Halyard. (1991), JBIS, 44, pp.377-384
Refcode: 1991.44.377
Abstract:
Since any vehicle that will reach and orbit a nearby star will use about one half of its incremental velocity in terminal phase deceleration, the total t1ight time will be approximately twice as long as a fly-by mission using the same propulsion system. However, the increased mission flexibility and data retrieval of the orbiting instrument package will more than compensate for the increased flight time and, as the propulsion system will still be operable at the end of the interstellar flight phase, the vehicle can also perform excursions if interesting planetary targets are discovered.
