A photon rocket is a science fiction device, a spaceship operating via the rocke

Question

A photon rocket is a science fiction device, a spaceship operating via the rocket principle but whose exhaust is light. (Assuming there is a power source aboard adequate to its needs, a photon rocket does not consume fuel to provide thrust.) The momentum transfer for emission of light is the same as for complete absorption of the light (albeit in the opposite direction, obviously). The Space Shuttle had a loaded mass of just over 2000 metric tons, and its onboard main engine (this does not include the two solid rocket boosters which provided most of the thrust during launch) could provide this mass with an acceleration of1.1 m s^2 . Estimate the radiant power needed in a photon rocket that is to provide this thrust; compare it to world electrical power generation (roughly 2.5 TW at this time).

Explanation / Answer

radiant power = load ton * acceleration

= 2000 * 1.1

= 2200

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