Pros and Cons of relativistic interstellar flight

TL;DR

This paper discusses the technological challenges, physical constraints, and socio-economic factors affecting the feasibility of relativistic interstellar travel, focusing on fuel, propulsion, radiation, and mass considerations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of the physical and engineering challenges of relativistic interstellar flight, highlighting the impact of thermodynamics, radiation, and mass on mission feasibility.

Findings

Antimatter fuel offers high energy density for relativistic rockets.

Radiation hazards and heat dissipation significantly increase spacecraft mass.

Interstellar medium poses mechanical and radiation risks at relativistic speeds.

Abstract

Two technological problems must be solved before daring to interstellar flight: fuel and propulsion. The highest energy-density fuel is antimatter in its solid or liquid state and this fuel is likely to be our primary choice for multi-ton relativistic rockets. High-energy ion thruster powered by annihilation reactor promises superior performance in comparison with direct propulsion by annihilation products. However the power generator on board can significantly increase the rocket dry mass thus limiting the achievable speed. Two physical factors that stand against our dream of the stars are thermodynamics and radiation hazard. Heat-disposing radiator also increases the rocket dry mass. Interstellar gas turns into oncoming flux of hard ionizing radiation at a relativistic speed of the rocket while the oncoming relativistic interstellar dust grains can cause mechanical damage. Economy and psychology will play a decisive role in voting for or against the manned interstellar flights