2069 Alpha Centauri mission

NASA introduced in December 2017 a mission concept to launch an interstellar probe by the year 2069 to search for biosignatures on planets around the stars in the Alpha Centauri system.[1][2] The mission concept is as yet not funded, unnamed and the technology to get there does not exist yet.[3]

A preliminary mission concept suggests using solar sails[4] propelled by high energy lasers to increase propulsion.[4] The proposed launch would be on the 100th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Exclusive: NASA has begun plans for a 2069 interstellar mission, New Scientist, By John Wenz, 19 December 2017
  2. ↑ Nasa planning 2069 mission to look for life on newly discovered Earth-like planets, Independent, Harry Cockburn, 19 Dec 2017
  3. ↑ U.S. lawmaker orders NASA to plan for trip to Alpha Centauri by 100th anniversary of moon landing, Science, By Daniel Clery, May. 23, 2016
  4. 1 2 Solar Sail Propulsion: A Roadmap from Today's Technology to Interstellar Sailships (PDF). Edward E. Montgomery, Les Johnson. Foundations of Interstellar Studies Workshop. New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY. June 13-15, 2017.
  5. ↑ "NASA hopes to send a probe to Alpha Centauri in 2069".
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