Deep Space Propulsion: A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight

by K.F. Long

The technology of the next few decades could possibly allow us to explore with robotic probes the closest stars outside our Solar System, and maybe even observe some of the recently discovered planets circling these stars. This book looks at the reasons for exploring our stellar neighbors and at the technologies we are developing to build space probes that can traverse the enormous distances between the stars. In order to reach the nearest stars, we must first develop a propulsion technology that would take our robotic probes there in a reasonable time. Such propulsion technology has radically different requirements from conventional chemical rockets, because of the enormous distances that must be crossed. Surprisingly, many propulsion schemes for interstellar travel have been suggested and await only practical engineering solutions and the political will to make them a reality. This is a result of the tremendous advances in astrophysics that have been made in recent decades and the perseverance and imagination of tenacious theoretical physicists. This book explores these different propulsion schemes – all based on current physics – and the challenges they present to physicists, engineers, and space exploration entrepreneurs. This book will be helpful to anyone who really wants to understand the principles behind and likely future course of interstellar travel and who wants to recognizes the distinctions between pure fantasy (such as  Star Trek ’s ‘warp drive’) and methods that are grounded in real physics and offer practical technological solutions for exploring the stars in the decades to come.

Genres: Space, Science

388 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2011

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on interstellar space flight that goes rather mathematically in depth about the reality of how to engineer a probe to reach the nearest stars.

There were a lot of equations for the physics and the engineering. This was written like a textbook because there are practice questions at the end of each chapter as well as references.

My only serious criticism about this book is that there are way too many grammatical mistakes. For someone of this background and for a book of this scope, it's undermined by childish mistakes that could have and should have been caught by simple proof reading. The publisher should be ashamed for not having caught these.

Otherwise, this book should be read by anyone interested in the details of how to reach the nearest stars.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun engineering! After reading it again, I think it is probably the best book on the subject. Goes into the math but not too deeply. Indeed it goes into a lot of useful math if you are interested in the subject. Good balance and keeps it interesting with some very good explanations and examples. The only weakness is the art work and diagrams.

[Kadri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read, introducing different propulsion systems that are theoretically possible, and might some day enable mankind to travel to the stars.

[Michael Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read for anyone interested in space exploration.

Math heavy in places, but that does not get in the way of a well written book.