Buzzard collector
The buzzard collector or buzzard ramjet is a hypothetical device for collecting hydrogen using an electromagnetic field in space. It is named after Robert W. Bussard , who proposed this technology in 1960 for the energy supply of spaceships .
Since there are only about 15 atoms / m³ in interstellar space - according to him - the magnetic field or the movement speed of the collector must be quite high so that sufficient gas quantities can be collected for a fusion reactor , for example.
The main advantage of this engine concept is that a spaceship does not have to carry its fuel supply, but uses the available hydrogen in space and thus has a theoretically unlimited range.
The concept cannot be implemented according to the current state of technology. In addition to many unanswered questions of detail, the technology for a fusion reactor that works on the ramjet principle is missing . The problem of generating a sufficiently strong magnetic field while shielding the crew from it is also unresolved.
Mention in science fiction
This device is also mentioned in science fiction . The concept plays an important role in several works of science fiction literature e.g. B. in some novels by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle . Poul Anderson's novel Universe without End ( Tau Zero , 1970) describes the journey on board such a spaceship.
In the Star Trek universe , many spaceships have buzzard collectors to collect gases; a prominent use can be found in the movie Star Trek: The Uprising .
literature
- Semay C. Silvestre-Brac B .: The equation of motion of an interstellar Bussard ramjet. European Journal of Physics. 26 (1): 75-83, 2005 Jan.
- Stefan Thiesen: Trek Science - into the future at warp speed? . MindQuest, Selm 2001, ISBN 3-934195-06-7
Web links
- Star Trek's Buzzard Collector in the Star Trek Wiki Memory Alpha