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I don't think there are electronic or software components today that can withstand interstellar space travel for thousands of years, even at the distance of pro
by digdigdag 10y ago
I don't think there are electronic or software components today that can withstand interstellar space travel for thousands of years, even at the distance of proxima centauri.
Distance is irrelevant when it comes to space travel. Unless an object is within the vicinity of the Oort cloud, we stand very little chance of actually leaving this solar system in a controlled fashion.
- madaxe_again 10y agoWell, the key is to not take thousands of years about it. Honestly, I doubt we will ever have thousand year missions, unless our lifespans commensurately grow, as humans don't have a great track record when it comes to long term projects. There are ways, but they are expensive and not without risk. Nuclear pulse propulsion (orion) can yield vast acceleration, and fusion rockets, while unproven, are feasible. You then have less exotic options such as laser driven light-sails and nuclear powered ion drives. If we were prepared to throw half a trillion bucks at the problem we could see a flyby in our lifetimes - but without a damn good reason, it won't happen.