1.0 Introduction 

In the effort to explore deep space, research by organizations such as NASA is being conducted on finding an efficient propulsion system that can be sustained for such a voyage.  Specifically, with current propulsion systems, spacecraft are limited in the distances they travel because of their fuel capacity.  In particular, target destinations such as Mars or Alpha Centauri are impractical for the large amount of fuel that is required, which incidentally limits the payload and resources spacecraft can take with them.  Currently, spacecrafts use chemicals as its propellant.  It has been realized, however, that this current propellant is limited by its own properties.  Therefore, organizations are conducting research in order to obtain a more efficient propulsion system such that deep space exploration can be accomplished.  In particular, NASA is presently seeking to do research in the following propulsion systems: nuclear fission and fusion; “aerocapture; advanced chemical propulsion; solar electric propulsion; space-based tether propulsion; and plasma sail and solar sail technologies” [1].  However, experimental research in the use of antimatter as a propellant is not being conducted.  To elaborate, the physics behind antimatter as well as designs for an engine that uses antimatter as its fuel has been thoroughly developed.  Nevertheless, the actual testing of antimatter in such an engine design has not taken place.  Hence, the Antimatter Propulsion Team -APT- proposes that the Air Force funds and facilitates research for the experimentation of antimatter, specifically antiprotons, as a propellant for spacecraft propulsion.  Furthermore, the solutions to the current problems of antimatter propulsion are not the purpose of this report; rather, the purpose of this report is to encourage support in this field of research.   

Therefore, the report will discuss the main competitors to antimatter being used as a propellant.  Specifically, the use of chemical, solar, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as a propellant will be scrutinized.  In addition, the current engine designs of antimatter as a propellant for spacecraft propulsion and the history and physics of antimatter will be discussed.  Finally, a comparison to other fuel sources for propulsion will also be examined