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The fission sail is a type of spacecraft propulsion proposed by Robert Forward that uses fission fragments to propel a large solar sail-like craft. [1] It is similar in concept to the fission-fragment rocket in that the fission by-products are directly harnessed as working mass, and differs primarily in the way that the fragments are used for thrust.
Founded in 1994 by Robert P. Hoyt and Robert L. Forward, Tethers Unlimited began developing products based on space tether technologies, including concepts for removal of space debris [4] and momentum exchange tethers for launching payloads into higher orbits.
The fission sail is a type of spacecraft propulsion proposed by Robert Forward that uses fission fragments to propel a large solar sail-like craft.It is similar in concept to the fission-fragment rocket in that the fission by-products are directly harnessed as working mass, and differs primarily in the way that the fragments are used for thrust.
JASON's 1977 study of laser propulsion, [29] authored by Freeman Dyson, succinctly articulates the promise of beam-powered launch: "Laser propulsion as an idea that may produce a revolution in space technology. A single laser facility on the ground can in theory launch single-stage vehicles into low or high earth orbit.
Robert Lull Forward (August 15, 1932 – September 21, 2002) was an American physicist and science fiction writer. [2] His literary work was noted for its scientific credibility and use of ideas developed from his career as an aerospace engineer .
"Starwisp" is a concept for an ultra-low-mass interstellar probe pushed by a microwave beam. It was proposed by scientist and author Robert L. Forward in 1985, [1] and further work was published by Geoffrey A. Landis in 2000. [2] The proposed device uses beam-powered propulsion in the form of a high-power microwave antenna pushing a sail.
The company Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (founded by Robert Forward and Robert P. Hoyt) [12] has called this approach "Tether Launch Assist". [13] It has also been referred to as a space bolas . [ 14 ] The company's goals have drifted to deorbit assist modules and marine tethers as in 2020 though.
In the 1970s, Robert Forward proposed two beam-powered propulsion schemes using either lasers or masers to push giant sails to a significant fraction of the speed of light. [36] In the science fiction novel Rocheworld, Forward described a light sail propelled by super lasers. As the starship neared its destination, the outer portion of the sail ...