Mirror Matter: Pioneering Antimatter Physics

by Robert L. Forward, Joel Davis

For nearly four decades the fictional spaceships of the "Star Trek" universe have been powered by antimatter. But antimatter is not science fiction, and neither is the idea of using it for space propulsion. In Mirror Pioneering Antimatter Physics, renowned physicist Dr. Robert L. Forward and science writer Joel Davis show why, and how.Mirror Matter is the answer to the skeptics who say that using antimatter is too risky, too difficult, or too expensive. Forward and Davis describe how to make, capture, store, and use antimatter. Mirror Matter explains, step-by-step, how to greatly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of antimatter production; how antimatter can be captured and safely stored until it is used; and how it can improve the propulsion capability of interplanetary rocket engines by one to two orders of magnitude.If the solar system is to one day be our big backyard, it will come about using "mirror matter" for space propulsion.

Genres: Science

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Robert Lull Forward, commonly known as Robert L. Forward, (August 15, 1932 - September 21, 2002) was an American physicist and science fiction writer. His fiction is noted for its scientific credibility, and uses many ideas developed during his work as an aerospace engineer.

Reviews

[Luis Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, storing antimatter with antiprotons (which is essentially a form of antimatter)......anyhow. and "cooling"....I disagree with all I can say is cold-fusion>cold electricity and cold magnetic storage....cannot be science fiction for antimatter...nor barbaric civilizations good book though.

[Bryan]

A scientific look at antimatter, how it could be produced, and its applications for space travel.