I have just entered a competition to propose ideas to NASA as part of their NASAiTech program. My proposal is a study to identify and plan for an anti-matter propulsion infrastructure. You can read the abstract below, and download the 5-page PDF.
NASAITECH PROPOSAL: PROPULSION / OCTOBER 2016
DEVELOPING AN ANTI-MATTER PROPULSION FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY
By Liam H. Dooley
REFERENCE: LHD-NASA-01-2016
AMOUNT REQUESTED: 1,500,000 USD
ABSTRACT
NASA requires a new approach to propulsion technologies that will provide rapid, efficient long distance space travel between planets within Earth’s solar system and beyond, as well as building and sustaining populations off of the planet whether in deep space or on terra firma. NASA and space-faring companies and nations will require a lift capacity far beyond what is currently available. This need would be best met with anti-matter based propulsion systems. However, because anti-matter is not readily available naturally nor easily produced, NASA needs to foster the establishment of a national – or global – anti-matter production infrastructure.
This proposal 1) suggests NASA promote the establishment of an anti-matter propulsion fuel infrastructure through planning, programming, and budgeting; and 2) establish a study group to propose potential courses of action, national and globally, to create and establish an anti-matter propulsion fuel infrastructure.
Read the complete proposal here:
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