Moving the solar system with a stellar engine
Summary
KG compares stellar engines that use solar radiation or a directed fusion jet to move the entire solar system over the long term. Very small forces become powerful when they act without interruption over astronomical periods of time. Propulsion can change a frame of reference without driving each object in it individually.
Ideas
- A Shkadov mirror produces a tiny, permanent thrust through asymmetric radiation.
- A Caplan thruster extracts solar material and ejects a directed fusion jet.
- All gravitationally bound planets follow a slowly accelerating Sun.
Recommendations
- For megastructures, recalculate order of magnitude, conservation of momentum and operating time separately.
- Treat the stellar engines presented as physical thought models, not as blueprints.
References
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