The Andromeda Study: A Femto-Spacecraft Mission to Alpha Centauri [IMA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1708.03556


This paper discusses the physics, engineering and mission architecture relating to a gram-sized interstellar probe propelled by a laser beam. The objectives are to design a fly-by mission to Alpha Centauri with a total mission duration of 50 years travelling at a cruise speed of 0.1c. Furthermore, optical data from the target star system is to be obtained and sent back to the Solar system. The main challenges of such a mission are presented and possible solutions proposed. The results show that by extrapolating from currently existing technology, such a mission would be feasible. The total mass of the proposed spacecraft is 23g and the space-based laser infrastructure has a beam power output of 15GW. Rurther exploration of the laser – spacecraft tradespace and associated technologies are necessary.

Read this paper on arXiv…

A. Hein, K. Long, D. Fries, et. al.
Mon, 14 Aug 17
8/46

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