Transport of momentum by gravitational waves: the linear approximation

Although energy transport by gravitational waves has been extensively studied, the question whether the waves transport momentum seems not to have been previously considered. In this paper, the latter problem is investigated, within general relativity, by studying waves emitted from a source consisting of a pair of oscillating particles. It is found that, for certain relative motions of the particles, momentum is permanently removed by the waves. This must presumably cause the source to move like a rocket.