- #1
Wave's_Hand_Particle
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is coming:http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0410511 
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Is Warp Velocity Really the Future of Space Travel?
- Thread starter Wave's_Hand_Particle
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In summary, 50 years ago, people were making estimates that we were going to have colonies on Mars by now. However, the predictions seriously need to be taken with a grain of salt. The article discusses some of the problems that may arise if we attempt to send humans to Mars, such as the high energy requirements for the journey. There is also the possibility that we will not be able to find a way to contain antimatter for a long term space mission. However, the potential is exciting, and the research being done is moving in the right direction.
- #2
enigma
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Sorry to be the wet blanket.
50 years ago, people were making estimates that we were going to have colonies on Mars by now.
While the potential is exciting, the predictions seriously need to be taken with a grain of salt. We're looking at the difference between engineers and physicists.
Engineers (myself included
) are too poor in physics to do the basic research which would lead to something like an anti-hydrogen drive. The physicists, on the other hand, generally sweep the "engineering details" under the rug, and assume that anything is possible if you just throw enough money at it.
It's the 'engineering details' which keep fusion power from becoming a reality, and I've got a firm suspicion that we'll have similar problems trying to contain antimatter for a long term space mission.
50 years ago, people were making estimates that we were going to have colonies on Mars by now.
While the potential is exciting, the predictions seriously need to be taken with a grain of salt. We're looking at the difference between engineers and physicists.
Engineers (myself included
) are too poor in physics to do the basic research which would lead to something like an anti-hydrogen drive. The physicists, on the other hand, generally sweep the "engineering details" under the rug, and assume that anything is possible if you just throw enough money at it.It's the 'engineering details' which keep fusion power from becoming a reality, and I've got a firm suspicion that we'll have similar problems trying to contain antimatter for a long term space mission.
- #3
Arctic Fox
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Personally, I don’t feel that people will get past c with anything that explodes.
- #4
russ_watters
Mentor
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Strangely, the link says nothing about warp drive...
- #5
Wave's_Hand_Particle
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russ_watters said:
Even more strangely was the insertion of the (?) at the heading wording!
Just a quick google after reading some of the technical aspects of NASA links, one can take note that there is real reasearch going on here is a quote:
Another lab is dedicated to antimatter propulsion. The
collision and mutual annihilation of matter and antimatter is
the most energetic reaction known in physics. The Marshall
Center and its industry and education partners are engaged
in unique research to develop technologies for storage and
use of antimatter for space propulsion. Minute amounts of
antimatter are being used in the lab for this research.
You may not be aware(due to your inability to search and respond?) of this , quote:The collision of and mutual annihilation of matter and anti-matter is the most energetic reaction known to man
Nasa are realistic about the problems, but technically I would say the fact of extra-solar-system travel is no more than 15 yrs away.
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/PAO/warp.htm
- #6
russ_watters
Mentor
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On what do you base that? The linked article says 50. And 50 years is the "anything is possible" time horizon for scientists - fusion power has been 50 years away for about the past 50 years, and it may well be 50 years away for the next 50 years.Wave's_Hand_Particle said:
I did read this, but 1,000 times the energy per unit mass of fusion really isn't all that much, considering 10% of light speed (the number cited in the article for reasonable extra-solar travel) is more than 100,000,000 times the energy (10,000 times the speed) we're currently putting into our spacecraft .
Please clarify: were you really asking if this had any implications for warp drive, and if so, what is it that led you to the possibility that it might? Reading the article, I see no basis for even asking about warp drive. It has nothing at all to do with the article.
- #7
Wave's_Hand_Particle
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The (?) is really self explanitory, at least that is my understanding on the definition and meaning, ? = Questionable, but it may be my lack of elecutionary proweress!
You are correct in that NASA site details figures for extreme ' spacecraft ' destinations. But I see the future being pioneered by unmannned probes, actually there is a recent paper:http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/cs.CV/0410071
that shows a limited capacity for 'cyborg suit', although having read it is a basic test, that would actually constrain the wearer/astronaut, anyway back to the post above, I see a number of specialist fields coming together to produce a craft that can reach the outer 'extra-solarsystem' in timescales far below the current 'crafts' voyager for instance, dreary and lengthy voyager timescales.
Warp Factor (the kirk-kind) does not have to mean FTL, there would more than likely be a number of HYBRID propulsion techniques, some with more/extra gears, which would bring travel times, and a mention here of 'real-time' quantum data relaying, 'onboard system entangled communication', which would actually add to the reduction of time-of-flight paramiters.
Speculation I know, but the next five years will either scupper or elevate the current reasearch that is currently going on in earnest.
You are correct in that NASA site details figures for extreme ' spacecraft ' destinations. But I see the future being pioneered by unmannned probes, actually there is a recent paper:http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/cs.CV/0410071
that shows a limited capacity for 'cyborg suit', although having read it is a basic test, that would actually constrain the wearer/astronaut, anyway back to the post above, I see a number of specialist fields coming together to produce a craft that can reach the outer 'extra-solarsystem' in timescales far below the current 'crafts' voyager for instance, dreary and lengthy voyager timescales.
Warp Factor (the kirk-kind) does not have to mean FTL, there would more than likely be a number of HYBRID propulsion techniques, some with more/extra gears, which would bring travel times, and a mention here of 'real-time' quantum data relaying, 'onboard system entangled communication', which would actually add to the reduction of time-of-flight paramiters.
Speculation I know, but the next five years will either scupper or elevate the current reasearch that is currently going on in earnest.
- #8
russ_watters
Mentor
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"Warp" velocity does not imply travel at .1C any more than "sonic" velocity implies travel at 75mph.
...and quantum-entangled communication is against the laws of phyics.
...and quantum-entangled communication is against the laws of phyics.
- #9
Chronos
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More gears? Jules Verne would be proud.
- #10
Wave's_Hand_Particle
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russ_watters said:
Exactly!..and by the same token the Prefix 'Anti' can be taken as:http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary ..quite literaly
or here:http://web.ask.co.uk/redir?bpg=http%3a%2f%2fweb.ask.co.uk%2fweb%3fq%3dDictonary%26o%3d0%26page%3d1&q=Dictonary&u=http%3a%2f%2ftm.ask.co.uk%2fr%3ft%3dan%26s%3da%26uid%3d2d569e010d569e010%26sid%3d3d569e010d569e010%26qid%3dBE27D48A1EEC7C48ACD8CA1D9F61375C%26io%3d0%26sv%3dz6f065baf%26o%3d0%26ask%3dDictonary%26uip%3dd569e010%26en%3dka%26eo%3d0%26pt%3dMeaning%2bof%2bthe%2bword%2bAnti%2baccording%2bto%2bCambridge%2bdictionary%26ac%3d62%26qs%3d0%26pg%3d1%26ep%3d1%26ka_sn%3dukkb%26ka_lhs%3d3356569%26ka_lhx%3dMeaning%2bof%2bthe%2bword%2bAnti%2baccording%2bto%2bCambridge%2bdictionary%26ka_ad%3d0%26ka_f%3d%26ka_lid%3d%26ka_iid%3d%26ka_lit%3dAnti%26ka_stp%3d0%257c1%26u%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fdictionary.cambridge.org%2fcmd_search.asp%3fdict%3dB%26searchword%3dAnti%26x%3d44%26y%3d11&s=a&bu=http%3a%2f%2fdictionary.cambridge.org%2fcmd_search.asp%3fdict%3dB%26searchword%3dAnti%26x%3d44%26y%3d11&qte=0&o=0&rb=0
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FAQ: Is Warp Velocity Really the Future of Space Travel?
1. What is an Anti-Warp drive?
An Anti-Warp drive is a theoretical propulsion system that is designed to counteract the effects of a traditional warp drive. It is proposed as a way to potentially travel faster than the speed of light without violating the laws of physics.
2. How does an Anti-Warp drive work?
The exact mechanism of an Anti-Warp drive is still a subject of debate and further research. Some theories suggest that it could use negative energy or exotic matter to create a bubble around the spacecraft, which would counteract the curvature of space-time caused by a warp drive.
3. What are the potential benefits of an Anti-Warp drive?
An Anti-Warp drive could potentially allow for faster and more efficient space travel, as it would eliminate the need for large amounts of fuel and the time dilation effects of traditional warp drives. It could also open up the possibility of exploring distant galaxies and reaching them in a shorter amount of time.
4. What are the limitations of an Anti-Warp drive?
Currently, the main limitation of an Anti-Warp drive is that it is purely theoretical and has not yet been proven to work. It also requires large amounts of energy and technology that is currently beyond our capabilities. Additionally, there are concerns about potential negative effects on the fabric of space-time and the environment.
5. When can we expect to see an Anti-Warp drive in action?
It is difficult to predict when an Anti-Warp drive will become a reality, as it is still in the early stages of research and development. It could be several decades or even centuries before we have the technology and understanding to create a functional Anti-Warp drive. However, with advancements in science and technology, it is not impossible to imagine that we may one day see an Anti-Warp drive in action.