Can Beamed Propulsion be a Viable Method to Reach Pluto?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using beamed propulsion to reach Pluto, particularly in light of the New Horizons mission findings. At a distance of 31 AU from Earth, solar power diminishes significantly, reducing to 1/1000th of its strength. The use of parabolic mirrors or Fresnel lenses is proposed to focus solar energy, with a 10 square meter area capable of collecting 10,000 watts at Earth. However, it is concluded that focusing light over such a vast distance is impractical due to diffraction, making beamed energy propulsion without lasers unviable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solar energy collection methods, specifically parabolic mirrors and Fresnel lenses.
  • Knowledge of astronomical distances, particularly the concept of Astronomical Units (AU).
  • Familiarity with the principles of light diffraction and its effects over long distances.
  • Basic concepts of propulsion systems, particularly beamed energy propulsion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the limitations of solar energy collection at astronomical distances.
  • Explore advanced propulsion technologies, including solar thermal rockets.
  • Investigate alternative methods for deep space exploration beyond beamed propulsion.
  • Study the implications of light diffraction in space and its impact on energy transmission.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and researchers interested in deep space exploration and propulsion technologies will benefit from this discussion.

RobertGC
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The New Horizons results on Pluto are tantalizing. I was trying to come up with methods to get an orbiter or lander there. The problem is at a 31 AU distance from Earth solar power would only be 1/1000th as strong. However, with parabolic mirrors or Fresnel lenses we could focus a large amount of the light even very far away. A 10 square meter collecting area at Earth would collect 10,000 watts of solar energy. How much of this power could focus at 31 AU away?
This is beamed energy propulsion without using the laser. I wanted to avoid the laser so as to not have the problem of lofting the large mass needed for getting the high power laser to space.

Bob Clark
 
Science news on Phys.org
RobertGC said:
A 10 square meter collecting area at Earth would collect 10,000 watts of solar energy. How much of this power could focus at 31 AU away?

Very, very little. You cannot focus light down to a spot 31 AU's away. It will simply diffract and spread outwards.
 

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