Not directly, but modelling particle interactions with material is key to designing spacecraft, and I think if we want to explore the galaxy in person then we’re going to need to know sub-nuclear physics and gravity in more detail than we currently know. Think of it as investment for the future, as well as just the kind of curiosity research that comes naturally to humanity.
Not at the moment, however there were some bonkers plans to power space rockets with nuclear energy called the Orion project. It’s unlikely to happen anytime soon but who knows what will happen in the future?!
Not exactly, but a little bit. Some particle physics detector technologies have been used on satellites, for example to measure the levels of particle radiation coming from outer space. Such measurements will be crucial if we’re to travel through space, and particle physics detectors will help!
Comments