AAWSAP DIRD, Aneutronic Fusion Propulsion I, November 2010

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(1.4)
m=g
?­
9
8
7
'
3
2
I
/
-
..---
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
v/c
Figure 2. Mass Ratio (m/mo) Increases as Objects
Approach the Speed of Light.
Equation 1.4 is plotted in Figure 2; we see that as an object's velocity approaches light
speed its mass approaches infinity. Coupled with this, we see that as mass approaches
infinity, the energy required to move the mass also approaches infinity. Thus, it would
take an infinite amount of energy to accelerate an object to the speed of light.
Equations 1.2 and 1.3 indicate that the best propulsion system would use the least
amount of propellant but exhaust it at the highest possible velocity. Therefore, the
rocket engine that has the highest exhaust velocity requires that the rocket be the least
massive or carry the least amount of propellant. Unfortunately, this combination
corresponds to the minimum efficiency in terms of rocket power. The point here is that
for spaceflight to anywhere other than near destinations, our present rocket technology
is insufficient.
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2