Bussard ramjet

The Bussard collectors or Bussard ramjet is a hypothetical device for collecting hydrogen by means of an electromagnetic field in space. It is named after Robert W. Bussard, the 1960 proposed this technique for supplying power to spacecraft.

Since the room is only about 15 atoms / m³ are - he reasoned - the magnetic field or the movement speed of the collector must be quite high, so that sufficient gas volumes as a fusion reactor can be collected.

The main advantage with this engine concept is that a spaceship 's fuel supply does not have to carry, but the existing uses hydrogen in space, and thus would have a theoretically unlimited range.

Implemented the concept is not according to the current state of technology. In addition to many unresolved questions of detail lack the necessary technology for a fusion reactor, which operates on the principle of the ramjet. The problem of generating a sufficiently strong magnetic field at the same time shielding the crew from this is unclear.

Mention in the science fiction

This device also finds mention in the science fiction. An important role is played by the concept in several works of science fiction literature eg in some novels by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Poul Anderson's novel universe without end ( Tau Zero, 1970) describes the journey on board such a space ship.

A buzzard collector is also part of the warp drive of space ships in the fictional Star Trek universe.