http://arxiv.org/abs/2002.03247
In this paper, we explore the possibility of using natural astrophysical sources to accelerate spacecrafts to relativistic speeds. We focus on light sails and electric sails, which are reliant on momentum transfer from photons and protons, respectively, because these two classes of spacecrafts are not required to carry fuel on board. The payload is assumed to be stationed near the astrophysical source, and the sail is subsequently unfolded and activated when the source is functional. By considering a number of astrophysical objects such as massive stars, microquasars, supernovae, pulsar wind nebulae, and active galactic nuclei, we show that speeds approaching the speed of light might be realizable under broad circumstances. We also investigate the constraints arising from the ambient source environment as well as during the passage through the interstellar medium. While both of these considerations pose significant challenges to spacecrafts, we estimate that they are not insurmountable. Finally, we sketch the implications for carrying out future searches for technosignatures.
M. Lingam and A. Loeb
Tue, 11 Feb 20
52/81
Comments: 16 pages; 3 figures; submitted for publication
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