Ep 10. Interstellar Motor Company

In the episode "Interstellar Motor Company" from season 4 of How the Universe Works, viewers are taken on a journey to discover the possibilities of traveling beyond our solar system. The episode explores the concept of interstellar travel and how it could be achieved in the future.

The show begins by introducing the idea of using a motor to travel through space. The Interstellar Motor Company is a theoretical company that is exploring the use of a motor to travel from our solar system to other planetary systems. The concept of using a motor to travel through space is not new, but the Interstellar Motor Company is taking the concept to the next level.

The company is designing a motor that uses fusion energy to propel a spacecraft through space. The fusion energy is generated by combining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which is then harnessed to propel the spacecraft.

To make interstellar travel a reality, the motor needs to be incredibly powerful. The Interstellar Motor Company is designing a motor that is capable of producing a gravitational field that is stronger than the gravitational field of the sun. This would allow the spacecraft to maneuver through space at incredible speeds.

However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome in order to make this technology a reality. One of the biggest challenges is how to harness the fusion energy in a controlled manner. Fusion energy is incredibly powerful and could be dangerous if not harnessed correctly.

The episode also explores the concept of using wormholes to travel through space. Wormholes are theoretical tunnels that connect two points in space-time. They are often depicted in science fiction as a way to travel through space quickly, but the reality is much more complicated.

The show explains how wormholes are created by the curvature of space-time. They are essentially shortcuts through space, but they require an immense amount of energy to create and maintain. There is also the question of whether a spacecraft could survive passing through a wormhole without being torn apart.

The episode also touches on the idea of suspended animation. This is the concept of putting astronauts into a state of hibernation for the duration of a long space journey. This would reduce the amount of resources needed to sustain the crew and would also prevent the negative effects of prolonged weightlessness on the body.

Overall, "Interstellar Motor Company" is a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of interstellar travel. It highlights the many challenges that need to be overcome, but also shows that the technology is within our grasp. The episode is a thought-provoking look at what could be the future of space exploration.