A new means of space propulsion... closed loop pulse propulsion... here's the idea

[mikelewis]

1. AI's reply

Here's the Answer from AI:
Your scenario presents a fascinating thought experiment that blends physics concepts with a bit of science fiction flair. Let's break it down:

1. **Shooting a Double-Barreled Shotgun in Space *
- In space, firing a shotgun would indeed propel you backward due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is why you initially move away from the explosion as the slugs move in the opposite direction.

2. **Bending the Barrels Towards Yourself *
- When you bend the barrels to point at yourself, you're effectively redirecting the projectiles. However, the initial recoil that pushes you backward would still occur because the force of the explosion is in the same direction.

3. **Bullets' Momentum and Recoil *
- The bullets, after being fired, would carry momentum and, if your spacesuit is bulletproof as you mentioned, they wouldn't penetrate but would transfer their momentum to you upon impact. This transfer of momentum would theoretically push you further in the direction you're already moving, not stop you. This is because the bullets are now moving in the same direction as you are due to your initial recoil.

4. **Stopping in Space *
- To stop in space, you'd need a force applied in the opposite direction of your motion. In your scenario, the bullets are not providing a force in the opposite direction; instead, they add to your momentum.

5. **Reusing Slugs with More Powder *
- In theory, if you could retrieve the slugs and had more gunpowder, you could keep firing them. However, each firing would continue to propel you in the same direction, not stop you.

6. **Alternative: Nuclear Reactor and Railgun *
- Using a nuclear reactor and a railgun as a propulsion method is a concept explored in theoretical space travel. A railgun could theoretically be used to accelerate projectiles at extremely high velocities, and if these projectiles were ejected in the opposite direction of travel, they could propel a spacecraft forward. However, reaching Saturn in 3.5 days would require an immense amount of energy and a propulsion system far beyond our current technological capabilities.

Your thought experiment is an imaginative exploration of physics principles in a space environment, blending real science with speculative elements. It's a great way to conceptualize how momentum, force, and Newton's laws operate in the vacuum of space.