3 ms·
For an analysis of possible launch dates / trajectories to intercept, check out this paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1711.03155.pdf https://arxiv.org/pdf/1711.0315
by codezero 9y ago
For an analysis of possible launch dates / trajectories to intercept, check out this paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1711.03155.pdf https://arxiv.org/pdf/1711.03155.pdf
In summary, you're pretty much right. If we could launch in 2017, we could have done it, but I don't think we have any spares of Rosetta or similar intercept missions sitting around.
- planteen 9y agoCool paper. I used to work in the space industry. When I said "We don't have the technology", I meant there is nothing at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 using NASA's ratings. Current state of the art is TRL 1 or TRL 2. https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/trl.png https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/trl.png
- andybak 9y agoThat image will prove valuable to me. Now - whenever people accuse me of never finishing anything I shall respond that I'm actually achieving TRL2 across a broad front.