Positron drive energized !

[Sarevok]

Just when you thought space propulsion concepts could not get any cooler

[GrandMasterTerwynn]

Just when you thought space propulsion concepts could not get any cooler

This isn't any different from the other antimatter drive schemes that have been dreamed up through the years. Except I suppose positrons are somewhat easier to produce than anti-protons and tend to be produced at lower energy-levels, making them easier to catch and contain.

[FireNexus]

I've always wondered how matter and antimatter even combine. Oughtn't the electrons around the protons keep the antiprotons at bay? Maybe I'm kind of an idiot, though.

[GrandMasterTerwynn]

I've always wondered how matter and antimatter even combine. Oughtn't the electrons around the protons keep the antiprotons at bay? Maybe I'm kind of an idiot, though.

Remember that matter is mostly empty space. If you imagine an atom to be as large as a baseball stadium, the electrons would be scattered randomly throughout the stadium and be the size of dust mites with a collection of small marbles on second base representing the nucleus.

At high enough energies, the antiproton can move fast enough to slip past this random cloud of electrons, and encounter a proton in the nucleus, with the resultant release of energy.

[Seggybop]

I visited NASA's antimatter research facility in Alabama a couple months ago and saw among many other terrifyingly awesome contraptions their antimatter containment pods. The coolness was overwhelming. I have pictures somewhere, if anyone wants to see.

[Solauren]

POST THE PICS

Yes.

And I like the idea of a positron drive system.

[Uraniun235]

Positron is probably the coolest-sounding particle name.

[SPOOFE]

Coolest-sounding, AND the most optimistic.