2.4 Consequences

There are many benefits, advantages and questions raised regarding the use of antimatter in propulsion activities.  The main benefit is the development of super high energy density.  Antimatter provides an incredible amount of energy and thrust for a space vessel.  It would only take 100 milligrams of antimatter to equal the propulsive energy of the Space Shuttle [11].  Antiprotons can be contained in a very small volume, so large fuel tanks would not be needed.  The use of antimatter propulsion would result in smaller and lighter vehicles [12].   Antimatter propulsion does raise many questions.  There are many ways to capture antiprotons, but it requires very hard and tedious work.  The question is whether or not big companies will take interest and research this.  Physicists doing side projects are not necessarily looking to create huge quantities.  Cost is always an issue and antimatter is expensive to produce.  Antimatter cost $60 million/microgram and there runs the risk of failure when using antiprotons in engines.  If the engine fails, and the antimatter is gone a lot of money is wasted [12].  Improvements in equipment to trap antiprotons could bring the cost down to $5,000 per microgram [13]. 

Comparisons to other Systems | Consequences | History of Antimatter Developement