Breakthrough Starshot: 1st Macroscopic Test of Longitudinal Acceleration

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SUMMARY

Breakthrough Starshot is a pioneering initiative designed to propel a small spacecraft to 0.2 times the speed of light (0.2 c) using a superlaser, enabling a macroscopic test of longitudinal acceleration. The project highlights that at this speed, the acceleration experienced by the craft is reduced by approximately 6% due to relativistic effects, which are becoming increasingly significant. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of accelerometers in measuring these effects and draws parallels to existing technologies like GPS that already account for relativistic phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic physics and its implications on acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of longitudinal acceleration
  • Knowledge of the Breakthrough Starshot project and its objectives
  • Basic principles of particle acceleration and its applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of longitudinal acceleration in particle accelerators
  • Explore the implications of relativistic effects on modern technologies like GPS
  • Study the engineering challenges of the Breakthrough Starshot project
  • Investigate the design and function of accelerometers in high-speed crafts
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Aerospace engineers, physicists, and technology enthusiasts interested in advanced propulsion systems and the practical applications of relativistic physics.

greswd
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Breakthrough Starshot is an ambitious project that aims to use a superlaser to push a tiny craft up to 0.2 c
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_Starshot

At such speeds, it would be possible to perform a macroscopic test of the longitudinal acceleration, provided the craft has an accelerometer on itself.

##a=\frac{F}{γ^3m}##

The faster the craft, the less its acceleration. At 0.2 c, the difference is about 6%, small but very large by relativistic standards.

Maybe we're finally entering the era where relativistic effects will become extremely significant.:smile:
 
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greswd said:
Maybe we're finally entering the era where relativistic effects will become extremely significant.

I thought they already had with the GPS being almost ubiquitous in modern technology. Nonetheless, a fascinating project.

Regards Andrew
 
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Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.
 
mfb said:
Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.

you missed the word "macroscopic". the object being accelerated in this case is macroscopic
 
I missed that part, but I also don't see how it would be relevant.
 
mfb said:
I missed that part, but I also don't see how it would be relevant.

Its exciting to see relativistic effects at such a large extent.
 

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