The gravitational wave rocket

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical possibility that a rocket could be propelled solely by emitting gravitational waves, demonstrating through approximation methods that mass loss and momentum gain are achievable via quadrupole and octupole gravitational radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel concept that gravitational wave emission alone can power rocket motion, expanding the understanding of propulsion mechanisms in general relativity.

Findings

Rocket can gain momentum through gravitational wave emission.

Mass loss occurs due to quadrupole and octupole gravitational radiation.

The double series approximation confirms feasibility.

Abstract

Einstein's equations admit solutions corresponding to photon rockets. In these a massive particle recoils because of the anisotropic emission of photons. In this paper we ask whether rocket motion can be powered only by the emission of gravitational waves. We use the double series approximation method and show that this is possible. A loss of mass and gain in momentum arise in the second approximation because of the emission of quadrupole and octupole waves.