New Mars Forums
You are not logged in.
- Topics: Active | Unanswered
Announcement
#1 2025-01-09 11:00:53
- Void
- Member
- Registered: 2011-12-29
- Posts: 8,526
Sunbeam Electron Propulsion, and beamed power Laser, Microwave
The query of the topic yields this general response: https://www.bing.com/search?q=Sunbeam%2 … cc=0&ghpl=
I see it as a mind bender. The electron beam should repulse itself and scatter, but because of relativity experienced by the electrons time dilation allows the beam to reach it's target intact enough to push it.
https://phys.org/news/2025-01-relativis … alpha.html
Quote:
January 6, 2025
Editors' notes
Relativistic electron beam could propel probe to Alpha Centauri, study suggests
by Andy Tomaswick, Universe Today
If I understand it the beam can reach out to 100 AU somehow, and the craft may be able to get to 10% of the speed of light.
This of course leads me to ask if it could be used to propel interplanetary craft within out sun's gravity well?
And for instance could you shine a beam like that on a small world, to send power?
Ending Pending 
Electrons have mass, I believe so getting them to near the speed of light is a whole lot of energy in the beam, I expect.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_mass
Quote:
Terminology
The term "rest mass" is sometimes used because in special relativity the mass of an object can be said to increase in a frame of reference that is moving relative to that object (or if the object is moving in a given frame of reference). Most practical measurements are carried out on moving electrons. If the electron is moving at a relativistic velocity, any measurement must use the correct expression for mass. Such correction becomes substantial for electrons accelerated by voltages of over 100 kV.
I believe that the receiver still needs some work.
Ending Pending
I might as well include beamed laser power so: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technolo … 8121&ei=14
Quote:
Lasers powered by sunlight could beam energy through space to support interplanetary missions
Story by Skyler Ware • 2w • 3 min read
Ending Pending
Last edited by Void (2025-01-09 11:16:22)
End
Offline
Like button can go here
#2 2025-01-09 12:02:56
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 21,773
Re: Sunbeam Electron Propulsion, and beamed power Laser, Microwave
This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members over time.
The theme of this new topic certainly seems to have upside potential.
A beam of electrons moving at the suggested energy levels would be lethal to unprotected space craft that might get in the way.
In another topic a NewMars member pointed out that a properly made fabric can withstand the fierce energies near the Sun, and thus might be able to accelerate away from the Sun, and to slow down when approaching another sun.
The electron beam for which this topic was created would appear to be a way to provide a small thrust to an interstellar probe over an extended period. The Earth is going to be moving while the beam is deployed, and the departing probe is going to be moving as well so it will require adjustment of the beam as time goes on, to insure that the electrons in the beam actually reach the target over great distances. Humans already have experience with this problem, because every probe that remains alive is sending data back to Earth from moving platforms. Humans have to aim transmitting dish antenna so that the radio waves reach the place where the probe is going to be after millions of kilometers of travel. This is "Kentucky windage" and "Tennessee Elevation" raised to the nth power.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here