Title: | EX.PL.RE. A directed energy mission to a nearby star system |
Material Type: | ISU Team Project report |
Publisher: | Illkirch-Graffenstaden (France) : International Space University, 2022 |
Format: | 1 electronic resource (xiii, 130 p.) / col. ill. |
Bibliography note: | Includes bibliographical references |
Languages: | English |
Subjects: | Extrasolar planets ; Interstellar travel ; Life on other planets ; Microspacecraft ; Space probes ; Space vehicles--Propulsion systems |
Keywords: | Laser-powered Electric Propulsion (LEP) ; CubeSat ; laser sail |
Description: | The next frontier for humanity is beyond our solar system, embracing interstellar travel to expand our knowledge of what is beyond our current scope of vision and understanding. This project outlines a Directed Energy mission to the Alpha Centauri star system, our neighboring solar system, as a technological proof of concept and scientific mission. This mission will utilize a laser array to propel a swarm of miniaturized light sail gram-scaled spacecraft into the interstellar medium at 20% the speed of light to travel the 25 trillion miles for a journey of approximately 20 years. During the journey, the scientific payload on the light sails will collect groundbreaking data and, upon arrival at the Alpha Centauri system, will continue its scientific mission to provide humanity with a glimpse of what may await us in space. The miniaturization of the scientific payloads, the advancements in material science for the development of space-worthy structures, along with incorporating efficient radioisotope thermal generators and autonomous operation systems, will facilitate the success of this interstellar mission. An assessment of the Alpha Centauri system will be conducted as the swarm of spacecraft reaches its destination, and a better understanding of the exoplanets in that system will be the result. The questions will be answered as to if we can find another habitable planet for humanity in another solar system using the ancient methods of travel and exploration, a sail and some wind. We will come full circle in our quest to explore and be the first of its kind, not unlike the early explorers that set sail on the seas to find out what was beyond their scope of vision. |
Contents note: | 1.Introduction 2. Science and technology 3. Organization management 4. Outreach and education 5. Policy and law 6. Secondary missions 7. Conclusion and recommendations. References |
ISU program : | Master of Space Studies |
Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=11501 |
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2022_Directed energy_Executive summary (6.21MB) Adobe Acrobat PDF |
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