4 ms·
Perhaps worth stating that although proxima centauri is the closest star to us at 4.25 LYr, Centauri A is the closest solar-type star to the Sun and isn't exac
by azalemeth 1y ago
Perhaps worth stating that although proxima centauri is the closest star to us at 4.25 LYr, Centauri A is the closest solar-type star to the Sun and isn't exactly far behind at 4.34 LYr.
Bring on the ion thruster visitor spacecraft!
- metalman 1y agochemical launch, on starship in full expenditure mode(500000lbs+payload],ion thrust, solar sail, "accelerator module" that sacrifices itself in an aero braking manouver to then release an in system observation ship
- m4rtink 1y agoIf you can also make the probe survive a close flyby by the star (that should ideally require just a good sun shield & robust orientation control) you could the so called solar Oberth manuever - basically this[0] but to slow down an incoming interstellar probe, not to launch one. A simple storable high thrust solid rocket motor would be ideal for this. [0] https://www.centauri-dreams.org/2021/10/06/assessing-the-oberth-maneuver-for-interstellar-probe/ https://www.centauri-dreams.org/2021/10/06/assessing-the-obe...
- itsalotoffun 1y agohttps://www.projecthyperion.org https://www.projecthyperion.org