NASA concept for uncrewed probe - possibly a light sail
An artist's depiction of a solar sail.
In December 2017, NASA released a mission concept involving the launch, in 2069, of an interstellar probe to search for signs of life on planets orbiting stars in and around the Alpha Centauri system.[1][2] The announcement was at the annual conference of the American Geophysical Union.[3] The mission (proposed in May 2016[4]) remains a concept, and as such, has no name or allocated funding.[5]
A preliminary mission outline suggests the use of solar sails[4] propelled by high energy lasers to increase propulsion.[4] The proposed launch would be on the 100th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.[6]
The spacecraft would reach Alpha Centauri by the year 2113, 44 years after its launch travelling at 10% of the speed of light.[3]
^Wenz, John (19 December 2017). "Exclusive: NASA has begun plans for a 2069 interstellar mission". New Scientist.
^Cockburn, Harry (19 December 2017). "Nasa planning 2069 mission to look for life on newly discovered Earth-like planets". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2017-12-21.
^ abDo Aliens Live at Alpha Centauri? NASA Wants to Send a Mission in 2069 to Find Out
^ abcMontgomery, Edward E.; Johnson, Les (June 13–15, 2017). Solar Sail Propulsion: A Roadmap from Today's Technology to Interstellar Sailships(PDF). Foundations of Interstellar Studies Workshop. New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY.
^Clery, Daniel (2016). "U.S. lawmaker orders NASA to plan for trip to Alpha Centauri by 100th anniversary of moon landing". Science. doi:10.1126/science.aag0558. ISSN 0036-8075.
^Fingas, Jon (December 27, 2017). "NASA hopes to send a probe to Alpha Centauri in 2069". Engadget.
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