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Space exploration comes to mind. What if we decided to send a probe to a nearby star system to explore its exoplanets? Even with superior propulsion technology,
by kijin 8y ago
Space exploration comes to mind. What if we decided to send a probe to a nearby star system to explore its exoplanets? Even with superior propulsion technology, the probe might take hundreds of years to get there. Which means we'll need to find a way to keep the probe's computing and communications systems functional for all those years, not to mention maintain compatible systems on Earth. Moreover, once the probe reaches its destination, any command we send will take several years to take effect.
- mikeash 8y agoIf you were doing it today, you’d be better off putting your effort into improved propulsion. A time may come when you hit the limits and need to carry out a very long project to send a probe to another star, but we’re not there now.
- kijin 8y agoThere's always going to be better propulsion just around the corner, at least until you reach something like 0.999c. At some point you just say "fuck it, we're launching this probe now."
- mikeash 8y agoThe point when your probe arrives soonest is not the point where your propulsion technology is fastest, certainly, but that point is very unlikely to be now.