2024-01-27 16:39:33
Tiny space probes might be used to visit exoplanets this century.
Keystone
A swarm of thousands of microscopic space probes is to be sent on a journey to the nearest star using lasers.
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- Proxima Centauri is to be reached with thousands of space probes that weigh less than ten grams.
- A laser beam with massive energy is supposed to accelerate them to a fifth of the speed of light.
- The space probes might then take photos of an Earth-like exoplanet.
NASA is researching a method by which space probes launched from Earth this century will reach the star Proxima Centauri, 4.2 light-years away. Proxima Centauri, as its Latin name suggests, is the closest star to our solar system and has at least two planets.
The project, led by astrophysicist Thomas Eubanks, plans to accelerate a swarm of thousands of space probes, each weighing only around ten grams, to around a fifth of the speed of light using a 100 gigawatt laser. This means Proxima Centauri might be reached in around 20 years, rather than the thousands of years required with current rocket technology.
Arrive in 2070
Propulsion by laser beam is a concept that has already been discussed many times. The only problem is that enormous energy is required to accelerate even the smallest masses. Hence the proposal for ultralight space probes.
The probes would then work together like a swarm to collectively produce a signal strong enough to be received on Earth. Their high number also ensures a high level of redundancy, as hundreds of them might fail during the long journey without endangering the mission as a whole.
Once in the Proxima Centauri system, the probes will then take photos of the planet Proxima Centauri b, which is believed to be similar to Earth. Eubanks believes that a launch of the probes around 2050 is realistic, and they would then arrive in Proxima Centauri in the 2070s.
The target of the tiny probes is the exoplanet Proxima Centauri b.
Nasa
Cost: $100 billion
NASA has now included the plan in its “Innovative Advanced Concepts” program emerged. It is still a long way from being implemented, but the researchers are now receiving at least $175,000 to work out their concept in more detail.
Eubanks estimates the cost of the mission at around $100 billion. Undoubtedly a lot of money, but certainly manageable for a major power like the USA. Space fans Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos might even pay for it entirely from their private assets if they are committed to the project.
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