anemazoso
Addon Developer
http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/interstellar-space-probe-gains-speed-100507.html
I love the idea that this is being studied again but I question the methods.
First they talk about the use of fusion propulsion which I think is questionable because we still don't even know if it is possible. Coudn't a probe use ION or another more realistic propution, even VASMIR? If a propusion system like that were used it could accelerate the craft continuosly for several months/years potentially reaching a good fraction of C (light speed).
I do like there suggestion of a destination in Epsilon Eridani but why can't we just send one to Alpha Centauri? It's a lot closer.
My question to this community is this: Could we build an intersteller probe with todays tech and expect at least a 50% chance of success?
I love the idea that this is being studied again but I question the methods.
First they talk about the use of fusion propulsion which I think is questionable because we still don't even know if it is possible. Coudn't a probe use ION or another more realistic propution, even VASMIR? If a propusion system like that were used it could accelerate the craft continuosly for several months/years potentially reaching a good fraction of C (light speed).
I do like there suggestion of a destination in Epsilon Eridani but why can't we just send one to Alpha Centauri? It's a lot closer.
My question to this community is this: Could we build an intersteller probe with todays tech and expect at least a 50% chance of success?
