Basic Design Principles Applicable to Reaction-Propelled Space Vehicles

This paper developes the fundamental relationships governing the kinetic behavior of ships in free space, along with a method for using them. A sample preliminary design utilizing this method is presented for a 1000 ton, high performance space ship incorporating a linear electronic accelerator drive, which is also described. A characteristic velocity of 26 mi/sec (or 2.27 million miles/day) is given for this design.