The Rocket Equation

• Vexhaust = Isp * g [d/dt(MV) = 0]

• dV = Vexhaust* log( final mass / initial mass)

• Material Isp Limitation

  • solid fuel 200-250 mass-starved
  • LH2/LOX 350-450 mass-starved
  • Nuclear Thermal 825-925 mass-starved
  • MHD 2000-5000 energy-starved
  • ION 3500-10000 energy-starved
  • Matter-Antimatter ~1,000,000 mass-starved
  • Photons 30,000,000-¥ both-starved

Notes: