November 12, 2008

Cool science story

Via Instapundit comes Bussard’s Fusion and the Nebel Team Live On. Robert Bussard's idea for a interstellar hydrogen "ramscoop" has been the backdrop for many a science fiction story -- a plausible method for humanity to reach the stars. Here's just a few stories off the top of my head which feature these ramscoops:

  • Just about any "Known Space" novel by Larry Niven including the classics Ringworld (and its sequels), Protector, and A Gift From Earth.
  • A World Out of Time by Niven.
  • Anvil of Stars by Greg Bear.
  • Tau Zero by Poul Anderson.
  • Star Trek -- at the front of the Enterprise's warp drive nacelles are Bussard hydrogen collectors (as referenced in at least one episode of "Next Generation").

Any other novels/TV shows/movies in which we read/see Bussard's idea come to life?

Posted by Hube at November 12, 2008 02:54 PM | TrackBack

Comments

What about the Mr. Fusion on Doc Brown's car in BTTF? 'Cause, like, you had to ram garbage down into it.

Posted by: G Rex at November 12, 2008 03:46 PM

LOL... that doesn't qualify, Rex!

Posted by: Hube at November 12, 2008 05:04 PM