Antimatter Propulsion Could Give Space Travel A Big Boost

Scientists are now considering the possibilities of using antimatter propulsion to achieve interstellar travel. This came after conventional struggled with low efficiency. Also, using electric propulsion and solar sails offer high efficiency, but generate minimal thrust.

It is in this regard that scientists are looking toward a theoretical solution that harnesses the immense energy of antimatter.

"Antimatter propulsion is a groundbreaking technology with potential to transform space exploration, enabling travel to distant locations once deemed impossible," asserted a new study by researchers from the United Arab Emirates University.

"Spacecrafts can traverse the Solar System to reach nearby stars in a span of days to weeks (within a human lifetime) due to this enormous energy potential."

Antimatter consists of antiparticles. These antiparticles have the same mass as ordinary particles but possess opposite charges and quantum spins. When an antiparticle encounters its corresponding particle, they annihilate each other, releasing their combined mass as energy. This is the most energetic reaction known in physics.

However, the diverse range of potential matter-antimatter reactions presents a significant challenge. Now, the new study has supported the selection of two specific types of annihilation reactions that are particularly well-suited for space missions.

The first involves the interaction of antiprotons with nucleons, which encompass both protons and neutrons. Antiprotons are the antimatter counterparts of protons, and when an antiproton encounters a proton or neutron, they mutually annihilate. This reaction is characterized by its stability and substantial energy release.

The second suitable reaction involves the interaction of positrons with electrons. Positrons are the antimatter equivalents of electrons. Similar to antiproton-nucleon annihilation, positron-electron annihilation is also stable and yields a significant amount of energy.

The selection of these specific reactions is important because many antimatter particles are naturally unstable. But for long-duration space missions, the chosen antimatter must be capable of being stored safely for extended periods. Antiprotons and positrons exhibit the necessary stability.

The excitement surrounding antimatter propulsion stems from its energy density. When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, transforming their entire mass into energy. This process releases an energy density of 9 x 10¹⁶ J/kg.