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 yet exist.[3]

An artist's depiction of a solar sail.


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. Wenz, John (19 December 2017). "Exclusive: NASA has begun plans for a 2069 interstellar mission". New Scientist.
  2. Cockburn, Harry (19 December 2017). "Nasa planning 2069 mission to look for life on newly discovered Earth-like planets". The Independent.
  3. Clery, Daniel (2016). "U.S. lawmaker orders NASA to plan for trip to Alpha Centauri by 100th anniversary of moon landing". Science. doi:10.1126/science.aag0558. ISSN 0036-8075.
  4. Montgomery, Edward E.; Johnson, Les (June 13–15, 2017). Solar Sail Propulsion: A Roadmap from Today's Technology to Interstellar Sailships (PDF). Foundations of Interstellar Studies Workshop. New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY.
  5. Fingas, Jon (December 27, 2017). "NASA hopes to send a probe to Alpha Centauri in 2069". Engadget.


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