Antimatter Propulsion: Case Study of Antimatter Propelled Interstellar Flights to Nearby Stars

One of the few ways to do quick interstellar rendezvous missions is with a matter-antimatter annihilation propulsion system. This book discusses the general mission requirements and system technologies that would be required to implement an antimatter propulsion system where a magnetic nozzle (superconducting magnet) is used to direct charged particles (from the annihilation of protons and antiprotons) to produce thrust. Scaling equations for the various system technologies are used where, for example, system mass is a function of propulsion system power, and so on. Einstein's laws are used energy mass relation and relativistic effects. For the vehicle undergoing 0.1c velocity we will see the mass dilation, time dilation and length contraction at different distances on its way to different stars. This book will portray a case of antimatter propulsion powered interstellar flight to Alpha Centauri as well as to Barnard's Star and to Wolf 359. Flying to these stars is truly an interstellar mission. The book is ideal for undergraduate engineering students and for Master level students interested in interstellar travel.