Radioisotope Sails For Deep Space Propulsion And Power

Dr. R. L. Forward. (1996), JBIS, 49, pp.147-149

Refcode: 1996.49.147

Abstract:

A number of radioactive elements emit particles at high energy. Since the early days of the space age, some 50 years ago, various concepts have been proposed to utilise these high energy particles to provide rocket thrust to a space vehicle. Usually, these concepts involved placing a thin layer of the radioactive material on the rear side of a metal or plastic film substrate, producing a “radioisotope sail”. The particles emitted in the forward direction would be absorbed by the substrate, while the particles emitted in the backward direction would produce thrust on the vehicle. Since the emitted particles also carry an electrical charge, they generate a current flow on leaving which can be harnessed to provide electrical power to the vehicle.