When the zero-zero drive is operating:
the Bose-Einstein condensate becomes unstable;
consequently, the energy taken from the substrate is not fully returned to it through the condensate;
this slight differential causes a minute, random possibility of destructive quantum gate malfunction;
such malfunctions would explain some starship disappearances;
however, the probability decreases with quantum gate capacity;
because Envoy's gamma is five thousand, the danger to her is much less than that from ordinary space travel hazards. (29, pp. 272-273)
The energy that is not returned smoothly to the substrate is instead reclaimed violently from the surrounding matter, thus wrecking a starship. However, the danger can be eliminated by devising quantum-wave guides. Thus, future starships will have not only the zero-zero drive and the field drive but also quantum-wave guides as well as other improvements. (49, pp. 473-474) The future of interstellar travel is secure.
When Yu has explained the unstable condensate problem to Nansen, she continues but then pauses:
"'Although-'
"The wind shrilled. 'Yes,' prompted Nansen after several seconds.
"'I don't know.' He heard the trouble in her voice. 'Something else in the equations -'" ( 29, p. 273)
Yu is troubled so, of course, the wind shrills, right on cue. The something else is the possibility that the zero-zero drive threatens cosmic stability, which is later refuted.
8 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Even with the knowledge brought back by the "Envoy," one major problem still seems to remain: what strong reason is there to travel interstellar distances using any kind of STL technology? Once a colonize planet has become well established and self sufficient, there simply isn't much NEED, speaking in practicalities, for interstellar travel and trade. Not when it takes so much TIME for planet bound people.
I am not opposed to STL interstellar travel! And I would be glad if that ever came to exist, only pointing out it comes with serious drawbacks. There would need to be strong MOTIVATIONS for STL and some means of paying for it, making it pay off.
It would be a real game changer if FTL ever was invented!
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
The claim is made in the concluding chapter that interstellar travel is now profitable for everyone but is it?
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
And, as you know, I have my doubts that will be the case, for STL means of interstellar travel. FTL would be an another matter!
Ad astra! Sean
There's no immediately strong reason to colonize Mars, but someone is spending a lot of money on preparations to do just that, and making rapid progress on starting the process... and apparently turning a profit doing so.
If people want something badly enough, they'll find a way to afford it.
I think that we do need to get some populations into self-sustaining habitats off Earth whether the habitats are in space, on the Moon, on Mars, among the asteroids or somewhere else. Meanwhile, we also need to ensure that Earth remains habitable. Thirdly, a laser defense system against cometary or asteroidal strikes would be a good idea.
I still question how likely a Martian colony is any time soon.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling and Paul!
Mr. Stirling: And I'm trying to do my tiny bit to help Elnon Musk! I spent 5,000 dollars last year to buy stock in Tesla. And both in this blog and elsewhere I have defended the need for a REAL space program.
I"m crass enough to admit I would be glad as well if I got a profit from investing in Tesla! (Wry smile)
Paul: As Stirling has repeatedly pointed out, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are making real progress in getting us off this rock. As of now, Musk plans to begin the process of founding a colony on Mars in 2024, by sending SpaceX rockets to land supplies and equipment. Next comes sending men and women there, probably in 2026.
So serious men are planning and working on founding a Mars colony in the near future. And I hope so much that is achieved!
Ad astra! Sean
The essential is reducing launch costs.
Currently the Falcon 9 Is so much cheaper, at $2500 per pound to orbit, that it’s on track to do over 75% of the total mass to orbit in 2021 (62% in 2020).
Starship is on track to have launch costs of -ten dollars- per pound to orbit, which is cheaper than transpacific air freight. That’s not hypothetical, either: the first launch is on schedule for August, with cargo flights starting in 2022.
Costs of that order are a complete game-changer; they make the previously impossible quite practical.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
These are wonderful developments! They give me some hope for the future.
Ad astra! Sean
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