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If we detected radio signals I'd be all for a crash project to do so, possibly using NERVA or some similar kind of crazy propulsion system. A possible alien art

by api 9y ago

If we detected radio signals I'd be all for a crash project to do so, possibly using NERVA or some similar kind of crazy propulsion system. A possible alien artifact would be absolutely worth the risk of launching a nuclear upper stage. Workable designs for NERVA are on the books. I'm sure we could think of some way to fire a very small probe at this thing by putting an absurd amount of rocket muscle behind it. Even a fast flyby with a few measurements and shots would be worth it. I guess barring that we will soon have the JWST.

techdragon 9y ago
This. We have the technology to go this fast... but no pressing need. Should a pressing need arise I do not doubt we will begin immediately. SpaceX could be turning around Falcon Heavy after Falcon Heavy as we loft fuel tanks to a “probe” we assembled in orbit out of an existing space worthy hardware “core” capable of autonomous operation such as a Soyuz or Dragon capsule, any instrumentation could be just built as stand alone modules and bolted to a separate set of communication hardware. We could conceivably build a probe and chase this thing down to contact in under 5 years.
- SubiculumCode 9y ago
  If it took 6 months to build (!!), could we go fast enough to catch up to it in a reasonable time?
  - therein 9y ago
    Just thinking about this scenario is enough to give me goosebumps. Imagine the alien probe about to leave the outer perimeter of our solar system while our makeshift-to-the-aliens probe is trying to catch up to it while detonating one nuke after another. You'd think that would catch their attention.
    - api 9y ago
      "See look at that propulsion system! I told you they were f'ing crazy. Fire the engines again for another burn, quick. Let's get some distance before they figure out that you can create a quantum singularity and the whole solar system goes up." - the aliens
zaarn 9y ago
NERVA? nah. I'd probably go as far as getting the dust of the Project Orion and Medusa spacecraft. That's how you get there fast.

by api 9y ago

techdragon 9y ago

This. We have the technology to go this fast... but no pressing need. Should a pressing need arise I do not doubt we will begin immediately. SpaceX could be turning around Falcon Heavy after Falcon Heavy as we loft fuel tanks to a “probe” we assembled in orbit out of an existing space worthy hardware “core” capable of autonomous operation such as a Soyuz or Dragon capsule, any instrumentation could be just built as stand alone modules and bolted to a separate set of communication hardware. We could conceivably build a probe and chase this thing down to contact in under 5 years.

SubiculumCode 9y ago
If it took 6 months to build (!!), could we go fast enough to catch up to it in a reasonable time?
- therein 9y ago
  Just thinking about this scenario is enough to give me goosebumps. Imagine the alien probe about to leave the outer perimeter of our solar system while our makeshift-to-the-aliens probe is trying to catch up to it while detonating one nuke after another. You'd think that would catch their attention.
  - api 9y ago
    "See look at that propulsion system! I told you they were f'ing crazy. Fire the engines again for another burn, quick. Let's get some distance before they figure out that you can create a quantum singularity and the whole solar system goes up." - the aliens

zaarn 9y ago

NERVA? nah. I'd probably go as far as getting the dust of the Project Orion and Medusa spacecraft. That's how you get there fast.