Kelvin F. Long is an Aerospace Engineer, Astrophysicist and author. He has been working on the problem of interstellar spaceflight since around 2007 and seeks to bring about this hypothetical future as a self-fulfilling prophecy. He has been involved with the founding of numerous projects, initiatives and companies which have deep space exploration and interstellar spaceflight as a primary goal. This is consistent with his guiding beliefs which are as follows:
Homo Sapiens have a complex origin, which is yet to be uncovered.
Human beings have a future in deep space around the planets of other stars.
Intelligence is innate to the construct of the Universe and reality itself.
Intelligent extraterrestrials exist, have likely been here and are here today.
Any species that embraces war and conflict as its primary activity faces extinction.
No nation has a right to declare war on another nation without the unanimous consent of a majority of other nations in a multilateral declaration.
Though dispersed geographically with different cultures, all humans are the same and deserve equal opportunity to prosper and live a happy life.
Human beings, devoid of a spiritual aspect to their life, are empty shells.
Fundamental to being a human, is kindness and compassion towards each other.
All people share a mutual stewardship for the planet and its creatures.
He was the Vice President and co-founder of the U.S non-profit Icarus Interstellar, and was the originator, co-founder, Executive Director then President for the U.K not-for-profit the Initiative for Interstellar Studies as well as the first President of the U.S Institute for Interstellar Studies and then Chairman. He is also a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society, has served on its governing council and was the Chief Editor of the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (JBIS). He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Physics.
He is the founder and Managing Director of the aerospace consultancy company Stellar Engines Ltd. He was previously the Managing Director of the property and investment company Terra Altair Ltd. He was also one of the co-founders of the company Nebula Sciences Ltd, which conducted high altitude balloon launches, and he served as the technical science lead director.
Previously, he enjoyed a long career (2002 - 2015) working as a physicist with the UK Ministry of Defence on ballistic missile technologies. This included a close working relationship with the U.S Department of Energy through the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). His work focussed on the legacy and existing UK/US stockpile programs and has given him a unique insight into the prospects of thermonuclear warfare and its consequences for humanity.
He has also been a London College teacher of Engineering Design for two years and a University Lecturer of Space Science for three years. He was a Visiting Lecturer at the International Space University in Strasbourg-France for five years. He served on the Breakthrough Initiative Project Starshot Advisory Committee and has acted as an advisor to the United States Air Force and several US and UK companies.
He has published numerous technical and popular articles associated with interstellar flight and has also been involved with the production of numerous books. He also enjoys reading and writing science fiction and has published several short stories. Other than space exploration his other interests include ancient history, theoretical physics, cosmology, spirituality, metaphysics, astronomy and the welfare and rights of animals.
In his younger days he was also a member of the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment Volunteer Reserve of the British Army for 4.5 years. This included completing the selection test known as P-Company to earn the coveted red beret. He also completed airborne training at Number 1 Parachute School RAF Brize Norton to earn his wings and become a qualified military parachutist. He participated in NATO exercises at different locations around the world. His main academic qualifications are listed below.
Centre for Fusion, Space & Astrophysics, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, 2009 - 2015, 2023 - 2024.
Details: Studying inertial confinement physics using optical lasers for direct/indirect drive scenarios but also for shock assisted ignition. Work extended into applications for propulsion, with case studies for missions to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, 1,000 AU and Interstellar. Involved construction of large Fortran 95 coding to model mission profile and propulsion performance. Also involved derivation of original equations to describe ICF propulsion theory which were presented for the first time. Thesis Title: "The Application of Inertial Confinement Fusion Physics to Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion for Deep Space Missions".
Advanced space propulsion requires high specific energy fuels like fusion reactions which can be ignited through the use of lasers driving an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target within a reaction chamber. The charged particles from the energy release are then directed magnetically for the purpose of thrust. Theoretical design concepts have been proposed in the literature to explore interplanetary and interstellar space. The concepts vary in their configuration and performance depending on assumptions, particularly for ICF pellet designs where there is a large variation in mass, burn-up fraction, pulse frequency and jet efficiency for different missions. There is a need to review these design concepts on a consistent modelling basis and develop a foundational understanding of parameter assumptions. This thesis examines the key physics of advanced propulsion via laser driven ICF, assisted by a single analysis numerical tool HeliosX written in Fortran 95 with the goal of providing for a rigorous assessment of ICF space propulsion assumptions by calculating pellet output performance in-line with a spacecraft mission profile. The research aims to determine the minimum pellet requirements as a function of propulsion parameters and for different missions to include thrust augmentation. This knowledge is applied in the design of a robotic interstellar precursor mission to 500 - 1,000 au and a crewed outer planets mission to 5 - 10 au Jupiter/Saturn based on a NASA magnetic fusion design. It is concluded that ICF may have an advantage over magnetic fusion in terms of thermonuclear fuel requirement for the same mission. Finally, implications are considered for galactic crossing time and SETI using ICF probes with a proposed Spatial-Temporal-Variance solution to the Fermi Paradox. Department of Mathematics & Astronomy, University of London, 2000 - 2002.
Details: Completed courses in Stellar Structure & Evolution, Plasma Astrophysics, Astrophysical Fluids, Cosmology, Relativistic Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astrophysics, Accretion Processes in Astrophysics, Solar System Dynamics, Research Methods in Astrophysics, Nuclear Astrophysics, Galaxies. Thesis Title: "Mathematical Models of the Solar Wind".
The solar wind is a high-speed particle stream of ionised solar plasma continuously blowing out from the solar corona into interplanetary space at a typical speed of 400 km/s near the Earth. It is a result of the large pressure difference that exists between the solar corona and interstellar space. The pressure difference drives the plasma outward far beyond the orbit of the Earth, into interstellar space, hitting the weakly ionised interstellar medium. The supersonic flow of the solar wind comes about from the conversion of thermal energy in the corona at low velocities to kinetic energy of radial outflow at high velocities. Correctly predicting the conditions of the solar wind requires a mathematical model. Parker considered this and produced the standard hydrodynamic solar wind model and a description for the solar wind outflow speed as a function of radial distance. Other, more sophisticated numerical calculations of the solar wind have also been performed to include the effects of magnetic fields, thermal conductivity and the presence of ionised helium. This report examines some of these mathematical models of the solar wind. These models generally take on the forms of a hydrodynamic approach based on the Euler or Navier-Stokes approximations or the kinetic approach, which is based on the Vlasov equation. There are also variations on these such as the hydrostatic, hydromagnetic and semi-kinetic models. Firstly, an introduction to the solar wind properties and related phenomena is given. These various models are then discussed. The use of the Fokker-Planck equation with a collision operator is also presented. Comparisons are made on the advantages of each model and its most effective region of application. Finally a review is given on the solar wind phenomena that are still not understood and how future advances in the mathematical models can lead to better understanding of solar wind physics. It is found that the hydrodynamic and kinetic models are complementary when applied in their respective regions of application. Hydrodynamic models are best applied close to the Sun, which is a collision dominated region. Kinetic models are best suited for larger radial distances where the solar wind becomes collisionless.Department of Engineering, University of London, 1996 - 2000.
Details: Completed courses in Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Materials, Stress Analysis, Structural Analysis, Dynamics, Vibrations, Mechanics of Fluids, Elementary Aeronautical Engineering, Classical Aerodynamics, Applied Aerodynamics, Thermodynamics, Engineering Design, Stability & Control of Aircraft, Aerospace Structures, Operational & Financial Management, Aerospace Design, Aircraft Propulsion, Electrical Technology, Engineering Materials. For the final year project the student worked with several companies including DERA, Fluid Gravity Engineering and Plastechnol Engineering to test a U.K candidate re-entry material for the Mars Express space mission which was eventually launched to Mars in 2003.Thesis Title: "Thermal Protection Systems for Re-entry".
There are a number of diverse solutions to the problem of protecting a spacecraft from the high temperatures encountered during re-entry. An inadequate TPS system exposed to such an environment can result in the destruction of the spacecraft and its contents. Manned spacecraft therefore require a highly effective and tested system that can meet the requirements of re-entry. This report is an introductory review of the re-entry phase of space vehicle operation, examining the technical problems and their solutions. The main TPS system that is used in the STS orbiter is presented as well as developing systems. An examination of the re-entry trajectory and TPS materials is presented. The use of ablative materials for the protection of one time entry missions offers an attractive alternative to other thermal protection systems due to their thermal response capabilities. This report investigates the possibility of performing low cost tests on such materials. An experiment is set-up and in depth thermocouple readings are taken of a charring ablator material whilst under constant heat load application. The use of the FABL5 computer program is utilized in the calculations to predict the material thermal response and compare measured heat fluxes. FABL5 is designed to predict the transient thermal performance of charring and non-charring ablation in a hypersonic flow environment. The tests yielded results which were uncertain due to the limitations on technological resources and expertise. However, it is observed that such tests are possible once a set of procedures have been established, resulting in material thermal data to aid designers in the down select process.Department of Sciences, University of East London, 1994 - 1996.
Details: Completed courses in Digital Systems, Computer Skills, Computer Programming in C++, Scientific Method, Applied Physics, Living with Technology, MathematicsFounder & Director, Interstellar Research Centre, 2019+…
Advisory Board, Limitless Space Institute, USA, 2019 - 2022.
Chairman, Institute for Interstellar Studies, USA, 2016 - 2018.
President, Initiative for Interstellar Studies, UK, 2017 - 2018.
Advisory Council, Breakthrough Initiative Project Starshot, 2016 - 2023.
Managing Director & founder, Terra Altair Ltd, UK, 2016 - 2022.
Director & co-founder, Nebula Sciences, USA, 2016-2017.
Director & co-founder, Nebula Sciences Ltd, UK, 2015-2017.
President & co-founder, Institute for Interstellar Studies, USA, 2014-2016
Visiting Lecturer, International Space University, Strasbourg, France, 2013-2018
Consultant, Reaction Engines Ltd, 2013.
Advisory Board, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, UK, 2016+…
Chief Editor, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, UK, 2012-2016.
Executive Director & co-founder, Initiative for Interstellar Studies, UK, 2012 - 2017.
Governing Council Member, British Interplanetary Society, UK, 2012-2013.
Vice President & Co-founder, Icarus Interstellar, USA, 2011-2012.
Managing Director & founder, Stellar Engines Ltd, UK, 2011+…
Deputy Chairman, British Interplanetary Society Technical Committee, 2010-2015.
Assistant Editor, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, UK, 2010-2012.
Practitioner, Tau Zero Foundation, USA, 2007-2012.
Project Leader & Founder, Project Icarus, 2009-2011.
Visiting Researcher, Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College, UK, 2005.
Design Physicist, Ministry of Defence, 2002-2015.
Lecturer Space Science, Reading University, 2004-2006.
Teacher, Engineering Design, East London College, 2000-2002.
Technician Scientist, Defence Evaluation Research Agency, Ministry of Defence, 1999.
Member Radio Society of Great Britain, 2020+
Member, Smithsonian National Air & Space Society, 2013+…
Member Mars Society, 2013+
Associate Member, International Association of Astronomical Artists, 2013+
Member Planetary Society, 2010+
Chartered Member, Institute of Physics (CPhys MInstP), 2007+…
Fellow British Interplanetary Society (FBIS), 2008+…
Member British Interplanetary Society (MBIS), 1999-2007.
Member Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society2013+
Member, Institute of Physics (MInstP), 2003-2007.
Fellow, The Royal Astronomical Society, 2000-2005.
The Royal Aeronautical Society, 1997-2000.
Airborne Brotherhood, 1996+…
The following is a list of advisory committees that Kelvin has been a member of.
Breakthrough Initiatives Project Starshot, 2016 - 2023.
Limitless Space Institute, 2019-2022.
United States Air Force, Project Starfall, 2018.
Nuclear Propulsion Group, Reaction Engines Ltd, 2014.
Thuban Consortium, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, 2012 - 2013.
British Interplanetary Society Technical Committee, 2012-2015.
British Interplanetary Society “BIS Future” Marketing Committee, 2012.
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 2010+.
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
Acta Astronautica
Elsivier Universe MDPI
Journal of Spacecraft & Rockets
Journal of Propulsion & Power