Photon Rocket Research Articles

Centrifugal balance for the detection of mass fluctuations in advanced propulsion concepts

Propellantless propulsion with a greater thrust-to-power ratio than photon rockets and functioning independently from the Sun or Earth-based lasers promise to revolutionize interstellar space travel. Claims of micronewtons in force for a Mach-Effect-Thruster on a torsion balance in vacuum, along with theories predicting mass fluctuations in a device with large fluctuations in internal energy, have paved the way for experimental investigations. In this experiment originally conceived by Woodward, devices are subjected to high centrifugal acceleration for direct measurement of mass fluctuations using an embedded force transducer. The test devices included a capacitor stack, a toroid and a pre-stressed, multi-layer piezoelectric stack in which electromechanical energy was varied. This paper first describes the design of a centrifugal balance: a rotating apparatus with low eccentricity and maximal angular frequency of 3600 rpm, capable of applying an acceleration above 1000 g's to the test device. The piezoelectric force transducer was characterized and calibrated under quasi-static conditions using an electrodynamic test instrument. The second harmonic response of the force transducer was then examined at different rotational rates to identify the presence of mass fluctuations. The experiment revealed a maximal resolution of 40 μg over a 100 kHz measurement bandwidth. Results with the electrostatic and inductive devices did not show mass fluctuations, orders of magnitude below the prediction. Even if the measurement resolution with the piezoelectric stack was more strongly affected by the centrifugal force, electromagnetic interaction, and nonlinear behavior, the measured noise reached one order of magnitude below the mass fluctuation prediction as well. Despite some limitations with the calibration and with the piezoelectric test device, the experiments have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the centrifugal balance for high-frequency and high-precision mass variation measurements and have ruled out the postulated Mach-Effect mass fluctuations.

Particle decay, Oberth effect and a relativistic rocket in the Schwarzschild background

We relate the known Oberth effect and the nonrelativistic analogue of the Penrose process. When a particle decays to two fragments, we derive the conditions on the angles under which debris can come out for such a process to occur. We also consider the decay and the Oberth effect in the relativistic case, when a particle moves in the background of the Schwarzschild black hole. This models the process when a rocket ejects fuel. Different scenarios are analyzed depending on what data are fixed. The efficiency of the process is found, in particular, near the horizon and for a photon rocket (when the ejected particle is massless). We prove directly that the most efficient process occurs when fuel is ejected along the rocket trajectory. When this occurs on the horizon, the efficiency reaches 100% for a photon rocket. We compare in two ways how a rocket can reverse its direction of motion to a black hole near the event horizon by restoring the initial energy-to-mass ratio: (i) by a single ejection or (ii) in the two-step process when it stops and moves back afterwards. For a nonphotonic rocket, in case (ii) a larger mass can be taken out from the vicinity of a horizon. For a photonic one, there is no difference between (i) and (ii) in this respect. We also consider briefly the scenario when a rocket hangs over a black hole due to continuous ejection of fuel. Then, the fuel mass decays exponentially with the proper time.

The 2+1-Dimensional Special Relativity

In the new mathematical description of special relativity in terms of the relativistic velocity space, many physical aspects acquire new geometric meanings. Performing conformal deformations upon the 2-dimensional relativistic velocity space for the (2+1)-dimensional special relativity, we find that these conformal deformations correspond to the generalized Lorentz transformations, which are akin to the ordinary Lorentz transformation, but are morphed by a global rescaling of the polar angle and correspondingly characterized by a topological integral index. The generalized Lorentz transformations keep the two fundamental principles of special relativity intact, suggesting that the indexed generalization may be related to the Bondi–Metzner–Sachs (BMS) group of the asymptotic symmetries of the spacetime metric. Furthermore, we investigate the Doppler effect of light, the Planck photon rocket, and the Thomas precession, affirming that they all remain in the same forms of the standard special relativity under the generalized Lorentz transformation. Additionally, we obtain the general formula of the Thomas precession, which gives a clear geometric meaning from the perspective of the gauge field theory in the relativistic velocity space.

Experimental investigation of Mach-Effect thrusters on torsion balances

Successful interstellar venture depends on the development of propellantless propulsion with a thrust-to-power ratio much greater than a photon rocket and without the limitations of solar sails. Claims of μN thrust for Woodward's MEGA Drive, along with predicted mass fluctuations as a consequence of the Mach-Effect have initiated a few decades of table-top experiments seeking to observe variable mass and using it to generate significant propellantless thrust efficiency. However, using different thrust balances with increasing measurement sensitivity to characterize these effects resulted in a decrease in the claimed effect's magnitude. Large second harmonics begin to appear in the pre-stressed piezoelectric stack's integrated strain gauge signal, showing the vibration present at system resonances, as well as significant nonlinearity. Observation of the balance beam's oscillations reveal sub-harmonic vibration coupling and amplified vibration around electromechanical resonances of the system that can explain the transients observed in the force trace. Different piezo-actuator driving conditions are explored and an account for the different behaviors observed is made. The varying driving conditions do not significantly affect the forces observed, contrary to the theory. It is concluded that the observed effect is a result of coupled vibrations on the torsion balance.

The Newman-Penrose map and the classical double copy

Gauge-gravity duality is arguably our best hope for understanding quantum gravity. Considerable progress has been made in relating scattering amplitudes in certain gravity theories to those in gauge theories — a correspondence dubbed the double copy. Recently, double copies have also been realized in a classical setting, as maps between exact solutions of gauge theories and gravity. We present here a novel map between a certain class of real, exact solutions of Einstein’s equations and self-dual solutions of the flat-space vacuum Maxwell equations. This map, which we call the Newman-Penrose map, is well-defined even for non-vacuum, non-stationary spacetimes, providing a systematic framework for exploring gravity solutions in the context of the double copy that have not been previously studied in this setting. To illustrate this, we present here the Newman- Penrose map for the Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes, and Kinnersley’s photon rocket.

Modeling the dynamics of black holes through balanced equations of motion in the null gauge

We develop further the general framework for modeling the dynamics of the motion of black holes, presented in [E. Gallo and O. M. Moreschi, Modeling the dynamics of black holes through balanced equations of motion, Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys. 16(3) (2019) 1950034], by employing a convenient null gauge, in general relativity, for the construction of the balanced equations of motion. This null gauge has the property that the asymptotic structure is intimately related to the interior one; in particular there is a strong connection between the field equations and the balanced equations of motion. Our work is very related to what we have called “Robinson–Trautman (RT) geometries” [S. Dain, O. M. Moreschi and R. J. Gleiser, Photon rockets and the Robinson–Trautman geometries, Class. Quantum Grav. 13(5) (1996) 1155–1160] in the past. These geometries are used in the sense of the general framework, we have presented in [E. Gallo and O. M. Moreschi, Modeling the dynamics of black holes through balanced equations of motion, Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys. 16(3) (2019) 1950034]. We present the balanced equations of motion in second order of the acceleration. We solve the required components of the field equation at their respective required orders, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], in terms of the gravitational constant. We indicate how this approach can be extended to higher orders.

Comment on “the ultimate limits of the relativistic rocket equation. The Planck photon rocket”

We disprove the claim that was published in a recent paper [1] about an absolute maximum velocity related to the value of the Planck mass for a photon-propelled rocket in vacuum. This claim is based on incorrect hypotheses and is incompatible with the theory of relativity. We also review the relative bound that can actually be derived for the velocity of such an ideal rocket, as measured in the inertial frame in which it was at rest at a given initial time.

All solutions of Einstein’s equations in 2+1 dimensions: Λ-vacuum, pure radiation, or gyratons

Under a weak assumption of the existence of a geodesic null congruence, we present the general solution of the Einstein field equations in three dimensions with any value of the cosmological constant, admitting an aligned null matter field, and also gyratons (a matter field in the form of a null dust with an additional internal spin). The general local solution consists of the expanding Robinson–Trautman class and the non-expanding Kundt class. The gyratonic solutions reduce to spacetimes with a pure radiation matter field when the spin is set to zero. Without matter fields, we obtain new forms of the maximally symmetric vacuum solutions. We discuss these complete classes of solutions and their various subclasses. In particular, we identify the gravitational field of an arbitrarily accelerating source (the Kinnersley photon rocket, which reduces to a Vaidya-type non-moving object) in the Robinson–Trautman class, and pp-waves, vanishing scalar invariants (VSI) spacetimes, and constant scalar invariants (CSI) spacetimes in the Kundt class.

The SpaceDrive project – Developing revolutionary propulsion at TU Dresden

Propellantless propulsion is believed to be the best option for interstellar travel. However, photon rockets or solar sails have thrusts so low that maybe only nano-scaled spacecraft may reach the next star within our lifetime using very high-power laser beams. Since 2012, a dedicated breakthrough propulsion physics group was founded at the Institute of Aerospace Engineering at TU Dresden to investigate different concepts based on non-classical/revolutionary propulsion ideas that claim to be at least an order of magnitude more efficient in producing thrust compared to photon rockets. Most of these schemes rely on modifying the inertial mass, which in turn could lead to a new propellantless propulsion method. Our intention is to develop an excellent research infrastructure to test new ideas and measure thrusts and/or artefacts with high confidence to determine if a concept works and if it does how to scale it up. At present, we are focusing on two possible revolutionary concepts: The EMDrive and the Mach-Effect Thruster. The first concept uses microwaves in a truncated cone-shaped cavity that is claimed to produce thrust. Although it is not clear on which theoretical basis this can work, several experimental tests have been reported in the literature, which warrants a closer examination. We are building several models of different sizes to understand scaling laws and the interaction with the test environment. The second concept is theoretically much better understood and is believed to generate mass fluctuations in a piezo-crystal stack that creates non-zero time-averaged thrusts. Apart from theoretical models, we are testing and building several such thrusters in novel setups to further investigate their thrust capability. In addition, we are performing side-experiments to investigate other experimental areas that may be promising for revolutionary propulsion. To improve our testing capabilities, several cutting-edge thrust balances are under development to compare thrust measurements in different measurement setups to gain confidence and to identify experimental artefacts.

The ultimate limits of the relativistic rocket equation. The Planck photon rocket

In this paper we look at the ultimate limits of a photon propulsion rocket. The maximum velocity for a photon propulsion rocket is just below the speed of light and is a function of the reduced Compton wavelength of the heaviest subatomic particles in the rocket. We are basically combining the relativistic rocket equation with Haug's new insight on the maximum velocity for anything with rest mass.An interesting new finding is that in order to accelerate any subatomic “fundamental” particle to its maximum velocity, the particle rocket basically needs two Planck masses of initial load. This might sound illogical until one understands that subatomic particles with different masses have different maximum velocities. This can be generalized to large rockets and gives us the maximum theoretical velocity of a fully-efficient and ideal rocket. Further, no additional fuel is needed to accelerate a Planck mass particle to its maximum velocity; this also might sound absurd, but it has a very simple and logical solution that is explained in this paper.

Hypothetical Dark Matter/Axion Rockets: And the Neutrinos without SUSY Problem

We present Dark Matter candidates from non SUSY processes, in a way emphasizing how a Dark Matter (DM) candidate of roughly 100 - 400 GeV could be formed. As has been said about the Photon rocket and Axions rockets, the presence of a magnetic field supposedly would switch DM particle candidates to photons, in such a way as to in the end configure a photon rocket style device from DM in a thrust chamber. The presence of Dark Matter (DM) would in itself merely indicate that the emerging photon thrust would be comparatively greater than it would be for more conventional photon rockets. This amplifies and improves upon a so called axion rocket ram jet for interstellar travel. We assume that much the same sort of methodology for a would-be axion ramjet could be employed for DM, with perhaps greater thrust/power conversion efficiencies.

Matter–antimatter gigaelectron volt gamma ray laser rocket propulsion

It is shown that the idea of a photon rocket through the complete annihilation of matter with antimatter, first proposed by Sänger, is not a utopian scheme as it is widely believed. Its feasibility appears to be possible by the radiative collapse of a relativistic high current pinch discharge in a hydrogen–antihydrogen ambiplasma down to a radius determined by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Through this collapse to ultrahigh densities the proton–antiproton pairs in the center of the pinch can become the upper gigaelectron volt laser level for the transition into a coherent gamma ray beam by proton–antiproton annihilation, with the magnetic field of the collapsed pinch discharge absorbing the recoil momentum of the beam and transmitting it by the Moessbauer effect to the spacecraft. The gamma ray laser beam is launched as a photon avalanche from one end of the pinch discharge channel. Because of the enormous technical problems to produce and store large amounts of anti-matter, such a propulsion concept may find its first realization in small unmanned space probes to explore nearby solar systems. The laboratory demonstration of a gigaelectron volt gamma ray laser by comparison requiring small amounts of anti-matter may be much closer.

Could a real (not virtual) static observer exist outside a Schwarzschild black hole?

The aim of this Letter is rather pedagogical. We considered the static spherically symmetric ensemble of observers, having finite bare mass and trying to measure geometrical and physical properties of the environmental static (Schwarzschild) space-time. It is shown that, using the photon rockets (which the mass together with the mass of their fuel is also taken into account) they can managed to keep themselves on the fixed value of radius. The process of diminishing the total bare mass up to zero lasts infinitely long time. It is important that the problem is solved self-consistently, i.e., with full account for the back reaction of both bare mass and radiation from rockets on the space-time geometry.

Bondi-Sachs metrics and photon rockets

We study the Bondi-Sachs rockets with nonzero cosmological constant. We observe that the acceleration of the systems arises naturally in the asymptotic symmetries of (anti-) de Sitter spacetimes. Assuming the validity of the concepts of energy and mass previously introduced in asymptotically flat spacetimes, we find that the emission of pure radiation energy balances the loss of the Bondi mass in certain special families of the Bondi-Sachs rockets, so in these there is no gravitational radiation.

PHOTON ROCKETS MOVING ARBITRARILY IN ANY DIMENSION

A family of explicit exact solutions of Einstein's equations in four and higher dimensions is studied which describes the gravitational field of an object accelerating due to an anisotropic emission of photons. It is possible to prescribe an arbitrary motion, so that the acceleration of such photon rocket need not be uniform — both its magnitude and direction may vary with time. Except at the location of the rocket the space–times have no curvature singularities, and topological defects like cosmic strings are also absent. Any value of a cosmological constant is allowed. We investigate some particular examples of motion, namely a straight flight and a circular trajectory, and we derive the corresponding radiation patterns and the mass loss of the rockets. We also demonstrate the absence of "gravitational aberration" in such space–times. This interesting member of the higher-dimensional Robinson–Trautman class of pure radiation space–times of algebraic Type D generalizes the class of Kinnersley's solutions that has long been known in four-dimensional general relativity.

Photon rockets in the (anti-)de Sitter universe

A class of exact solutions to Einstein's equations is presented, which describes accelerating photon rockets in the de Sitter and anti-de Sitter universes. These are particular members of the Robinson-Trautman family of axially symmetric spacetimes with pure radiation. In particular, generalizations of (type D) Kinnersley's rockets and (type II) Bonnor's rockets to the case of a nonvanishing cosmological constant are given. Some of the main physical properties of these solutions are investigated, and their relation to the C-metric solution which describes uniformly accelerated black holes is also given.

Eugen Sänger: Eminent space pioneer

In international literature on astronautics, three main space pioneers are mentioned: Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky, Robert H. Goddard and Hermann Oberth. There are other two space pioneers that are very rarely mentioned: Robert Esnault-Pelterie and Eugen Sänger. Pelterie is known particularly in Europe, and Sänger is mentioned in the second half of the 20th century normally only in connection with space shuttle flights. Taking a look at Sänger's work and heritage, it is obvious that he greatly influenced the development of astronautics in terms of purely theoretical dissertations on achievable limits of space research as well as in terms of technical approaches to achieving the short- and long-term goals of astronautics, and in terms of setting tasks for organizing mankind to achieve these goals. Sänger's book “The Technology of Rocket Flight” was the first study based not only on basic research, but also on the applied research that he conducted and the findings of which he published in various papers. Sänger was clearly connected with and influenced the development of two experimental research groups in the US in the 1930s, which resulted in two of the most significant companies in the US in the 1950s that manufactured liquid propellant rocket engines. Basic and applied research in the field of space planes resulted in construction of rocket planes such as the US space shuttle and Soviet Buran shuttle. Sänger's research on subsonic and supersonic ramjets in combination with a turbojet engine provided a basis for developing this promising propulsion for use in subsequent space planes designed for flights into low Earth orbits. His pioneering work on the photon rocket represents human achievements in reaching almost unimaginable limits of space research. By striving for a peaceful international approach to space research, Sänger participated in establishing the non-governmental organization IAF (International Astronautical Federation) and realized his idea that space research is a concern for all mankind. He was therefore appointed the first president of the IAF. The paper presents how Sänger influenced the development of rocket technology and astronautics, which definitely ranks him with the first three space pioneers.

No news for Kerr-Schild fields

Algebraically special fields with no gravitational radiation are described. Kerr-Schild fields, which include as a concrete case the Kinnersley photon rocket, form an important subclass of them.

Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt, a life for astronautics

Irene Bredt (b.1911 at Bonn) obtained her Doctorate in Physics in 1937; in the same year she became a scientific researcher at the German Research Center for Aviation at Trauen, led by Prof. Dr. Eugen Sänger. Soon, the young but efficient Dr. Irene Bredt became the first assistant of Dr. Sänger, who married her (1951). During 1973–1978, Dr. Bredt was in correspondence with Prof. Dr. Nikolae–Florin Zaganescu and helped him to familiarize the Romanian readers with Prof. Sänger's life and achievements. As for Dr. Bredt's life, she specified three main periods of her activity: 1937–1942, when she was researcher in charge of thermodynamic problems of liquid-fuelled rocket engines at Trauen 1942–1945, when she was Senior Researcher in charge of Ramjet in flight performances at Ainring, and also coauthored the Top Secret Technical report entitled ‘A Rocket Engine for a Long-Range Bomber’, which was finished in 1941 but edited only in 1944 the post world war II period, when she was Scientific Advisor or Director at various civil and military research institutes, universities, etc. Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt helped her husband to develop many scientific theories like Ramjet thermodynamic theory, and photon rocket theory and also in establishing IAF and IAA. In 1970, Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt was honored with ‘Hermann Oberth Gold Medal’ for her impressive scientific activity.

Complex Kerr geometry and nonstationary Kerr solutions

In the frame of the Kerr-Schild approach, we consider the complex structure of Kerr geometry which is determined by a complex world line of a complex source. The real Kerr geometry is represented as a real slice of this complex structure. The Kerr geometry is generalized to the nonstationary case when the current geometry is determined by a retarded time and is defined by a retarded-time construction via a given complex world line of source. A general exact solution corresponding to arbitrary motion of a spinning source is obtained. The acceleration of the source is accompanied by a lightlike radiation along the principal null congruence. It generalizes to the rotating case the known Kinnersley class of "photon rocket" solutions.