- #1
meteor
- 940
- 0
Using a VASIMR rocket, 1320 years of voyage are needed
Using an Orion drive, the duration of the voyage is 132 years
Using an Orion drive, the duration of the voyage is 132 years
The laser couldn't be mounted to the back of the rocket. It's called the conservation of linear momentum.
Sure it could. You point it BACKWARDS and take away the sail.Originally posted by chroot
The laser couldn't be mounted to the back of the rocket. It's called the conservation of linear momentum.
- Warren
Originally posted by Guybrush Threepwood
OK, who's into build this thing?
Originally posted by GENIERE
There are a few problems with a spacecraft traveling about 1/3 C as it leaves our solar system. If it’s a one-way mission, it will likely need a course correction early on using on-board engines with limited fuel supply. Communications to the craft will have to be at a higher frequency to compensate for the Doppler shift. Communications from the craft will be received at a lower frequency. As the craft approaches Alpha Centauri, we’d probably want to shoot some photos. Again due to the Doppler shift, normal optics would not focus. It would probably be better to use X-ray imaging. Perhaps the laser sail could be used as an x-ray receiver.
If it’s meant to be a round-trip mission, there’s no way to turn around with conventional rocketry but the gravitational field of the Alpha Centauri system could be used to do a 180. Since that system has at least 2 stars, its might be possible to get a gravitational velocity boost and return to Earth at a higher velocity. Of course the forces on the star craft would be enormous as it does the 180, but perhaps a converted nuclear sub might make it.
Now were approaching the solar system at 1/3 C+ we need to fire up the laser again to put the brakes on or find out what happens when a nuclear sub traveling at 1/3C hits the sun.
Just having fun.
The estimated time it would take to reach Alpha Centauri depends on the mode of transportation. With current technology, it would take approximately 100,000 years to reach Alpha Centauri. However, with advanced spacecraft and propulsion systems, it could potentially be reduced to 20 to 50 years.
The journey to Alpha Centauri would take a significant amount of time, so it is currently not possible for humans to survive the journey due to limitations in resources and technology. However, with advancements in technology and spacecraft design, it may be possible for humans to survive the journey in the future.
There is currently no conclusive evidence of a habitable planet in Alpha Centauri. However, it is estimated that there could potentially be one or more Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone of the star system. Further exploration and research will be needed to determine if any of these planets could support life.
Currently, the most feasible way to travel to Alpha Centauri would be through advanced spacecraft powered by nuclear fusion or antimatter propulsion. These technologies are still in the development stage and would require significant advancements to make the journey possible.
The journey to Alpha Centauri would present many risks, including exposure to cosmic radiation, prolonged isolation and confinement, and potential technical failures. Additionally, the psychological and physiological effects on humans during such a long journey are still largely unknown. Extensive research and preparation would be necessary to mitigate these risks before attempting the journey.