Science

Judi Lynn

(160,542 posts) Thu Mar 14, 2019, 12:05 AM Mar 2019

This Scientist Says We Could Use Black Holes to Power Interstellar Space Travel

MATT WILLIAMS, UNIVERSE TODAY 14 MAR 2019

The idea of one day travelling to another star system and seeing what is there has been the fervent dream of people long before the first rockets and astronauts were sent to space.

But despite all the progress we have made since the beginning of the Space Age, interstellar travel remains just that – a dream. While theoretical concepts have been proposed, the issues of cost, travel time and fuel remain highly problematic.

A lot of hopes currently hinge on the use of directed energy and lightsails to push tiny spacecrafts to relativistic speeds. But what if there was a way to make larger spacecraft fast enough to conduct interstellar voyages?

According to David Kipping – the leader of Columbia University's Cool Worlds lab – future spacecraft could rely on a Halo Drive, which uses the gravitational force of a black hole to reach incredible speeds.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-black-hole-slingshot-could-eventually-be-used-to-power-our-interstellar-space-travel

7 replies

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This Scientist Says We Could Use Black Holes to Power Interstellar Space Travel (Original Post) Judi Lynn Mar 2019 OP

Much like the Alcubierre drive though the tech is probably centuries away. cstanleytech Mar 2019 #1

With what dangerously little I remember about relativity theory: Eyeball_Kid Mar 2019 #2

I recommend Isaac Arthur's Youtube Channel exboyfil Mar 2019 #3

Isn't the nearest black hole about 3000 light years from Earth? htuttle Mar 2019 #4

Yeah, I'd say that glass is 99.9999999999999% empty FiveGoodMen Mar 2019 #5

Creating a micro-black hole may be possible. MicaelS Mar 2019 #7

It worked for the Romulans qazplm135 Mar 2019 #6

cstanleytech

(26,293 posts)

1. Much like the Alcubierre drive though the tech is probably centuries away.

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Mar 14, 2019, 12:11 AM

Mar 2019

Eyeball_Kid

(7,432 posts)

2. With what dangerously little I remember about relativity theory:

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Mar 14, 2019, 12:35 AM

Mar 2019

As velocity approaches the speed of light, the mass of matter increases. It can approach unlimited mass as velocity approximates the speed of light.

The problem with any craft or material object entering or coming near a black hole is that the gravitational pull can and will disintegrate matter.

For those who are less dangerous with physics, is that off the mark, or somewhat correct?

exboyfil

(17,863 posts)

3. I recommend Isaac Arthur's Youtube Channel

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Mar 14, 2019, 12:46 AM

Mar 2019

for anyone who is interested in these concepts.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g

Here is a presentation on Black Hole starships:

First step is you have to create one of these small black holes. Technology is probably centuries away if ever achievable. Remember just because physicists say you can do it, it does not overcome the engineering difficulties of doing it. Even if it is possible as an engineering project, you have to maintain a political system that decides that it is worth it.