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A recent paper published by physicists Peter Schattscheider and Albert A. Jackson in Acta Astronautica on the theory of the “Bussard collector” or “Ramjet” propulsion system has revealed that while the theoretical functionality of the interstellar drive checks out, the engineering rapidly spirals into the absurd. Speaking generally a Bussard ramjet system functions through trapping hydrogen protons in interstellar space, basically, the leftovers from the birth of the cosmos, compressing them into a usable reaction mass for nuclear fusion using absolutely gargantuan magnetic fields.
Interesting Engineering explains,
“In broad terms, a Bussard ramjet for a spacecraft would work by using enormous magnetic fields to trap hydrogen protons found in interstellar space, compressing the reactive mass into a progressively constricted magnetic field until thermonuclear fusion occurs. The magnetic field then directs the energy into rocket exhaust, providing thrust.
The thrust from the jet would theoretically allow the ship to reach relativistic speeds, while carrying no onboard fuel. The concept is based on the presence of high-energy particles in space, with hydrogen especially existing in an ionized state that can be affected by magnetic fields. If one could “scoop” up this hydrogen, as Bussard imagined, it could be channeled into a reactor, where the exhaust from the reactor would provide the thrust necessary for high-speed travel. As science writer Ella Anderson notes, a space drive like that would make it possible for humans to reach its nearest star system in under 4 years, and the nearest galaxy in less than 30.”
If mankind could perfect this type of propulsion and apply it on a scale necessary for manned flight, then the stars would be within our reach within a human being’s lifetime! But… there are some complications.
“The idea is definitely worth investigating,” shared Schattschneider. “In interstellar space, there is highly diluted gas, mainly hydrogen — about one atom per cubic centimeter. If you were to collect the hydrogen in front of the spacecraft, like in a magnetic funnel, with the help of huge magnetic fields, you could use it to run a fusion reactor and accelerate the spacecraft,” he added.
What’s The Problem with The Ramjet? Why Is It An Impossibility?
Schattscheider and Jackson undertook a series of complex computer models for the first time since the original two papers by Robert W. Bussard and John Ford Fishback in the early 1970s. The first problem they encountered… is that the magnetic coils needed to produce thrust are ABSURDLY long and pretty much impossible with existing human engineering. How long? 93 Million Miles! With a diameter of about 2,485 miles! Originally Bussard had pretty optimistically projected that in about 100 years humanity would have the engineering technology necessary to accomplish this. Even Fishback’s paper which was used as a springboard for the simulation revealed that it was “physically feasible” but with that huge ‘if’ being, if we can somehow construct such a gigantic magnetic funnel.
The physicists learned that humanity would have to become what’s known as a Kardashev scale type II Civilization, meaning that we have harnessed the total cumulative power of our entire solar system. A type I civilization has harnessed the energy of an entire world, and a type III civilization has harnessed that of an entire galaxy. Humanity in 2021 is considered a type 0 civilization (ouch). Suffice it to say, it’s likely to take a while.
https://youtu.be/Z-Zs0q6cDPI
