Large ship propulsion. (Orion revisited)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using nuclear pulse propulsion for a large colony ship intended for interstellar travel, specifically to a nearby star system within 100-200 years. Participants explore the implications of using Earth's nuclear stockpile for propulsion, the design of the ship, and the challenges associated with such a massive undertaking.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how much mass can be safely moved using nuclear pulse propulsion, referencing the potential yield of Earth's nuclear stockpile and its implications for accelerating a massive ship.
  • Another participant argues that to achieve significant speeds, a substantial portion of the spacecraft's mass must be converted to kinetic energy, noting that the energy conversion efficiency of a hydrogen bomb is insufficient for the proposed mission.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of using nuclear explosions for propulsion, including energy loss and radiation exposure, suggesting that fusion rockets might be a more viable option.
  • Several participants highlight the complexities of building and maintaining a large interstellar ship, questioning the societal, ecological, and technological challenges that would arise during such a journey.
  • There is a reiteration of the energy requirements for the proposed journey, with calculations presented regarding the average velocity needed to reach a star system within the specified timeframe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using nuclear pulse propulsion for such a large mass, with some questioning the energy efficiency and practicality of the approach. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on propulsion methods and the broader implications of the proposed interstellar journey.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the assumptions made about energy conversion efficiencies, the design of the propulsion system, and the societal implications of long-term space travel. There are also unresolved questions about the ecological situation on the planet Gaia and the logistics of maintaining a habitable ecosystem during the journey.

  • #31
Gordianus said:
Assume you have what you need (faster than light travel, positronic brains or time travel) and then analyze the possible consequences

Very true. In that vain a society that can build an interstellar transport most likely already have established many methods of intrastellar transport. That would be interesting in how those colonies (if they are colonies) work, how they established environments, how their society works, economy, relation to Earthbound nations etc etc.
 

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