4 ms·

Well using laser propulsion, we might be able to get a very lightweight probe up to 1/4 c using technology that isn't too far off.[0] Coincidentally, the group

by gene-h 10y ago

Well using laser propulsion, we might be able to get a very lightweight probe up to 1/4 c using technology that isn't too far off.[0] Coincidentally, the group working on this will be presenting some of their most recent work on this at 2:55 EST today. You can watch that live here[2]. [0] http://www.deepspace.ucsb.edu/projects/directed-energy-interstellar-precursors http://www.deepspace.ucsb.edu/projects/directed-energy-inter... [1]https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2016_symposium_agenda_0.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2016_sy... [2]http://livestream.com/viewnow/NIAC2016 http://livestream.com/viewnow/NIAC2016

ams6110 10y ago
Don't forget that halfway there you have to turn it around and start slowing down.
mikro2nd 10y ago
The bigger deal is, How do you deal with the ablation problem at those speeds? Given the likely density of H in interstellar space, erosion is your primary problem.
- nsxwolf 10y ago
  Add the Broussard ramscoop, magnetically deflect the atoms into an accelerator and expel them to add to your propulsion.