Mission To 700 AU, Discussion of options for sending a probe to 700 AU |
Mission To 700 AU, Discussion of options for sending a probe to 700 AU |
May 9 2016, 09:18 PM
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Junior Member Group: Members Posts: 57 Joined: 13-February 06 From: Brisbane, Australia Member No.: 679 |
Speaking of Mike Brown and his planets, if the proposed Planet IX is confirmed, then it's likely to be about 700 AU away. That's a 200 year journey at "Voyager" speed (~3.5 AU/year), so we'll need to go significantly faster.
For historical precedent there's the Thousand AU mission design from the late 1980s, which used a SNAP powered ion drive to push a probe to ~20 AU/year. Waiting 50 years for major data return seems excessive, so I'd think a 20 year max travel time, and preferably a 10 year travel time, should be in the minimum specifications. The main propulsion options IMO are an extreme Oberth Maneuver, with a very high thrust system at perihelion; a high performance Solar-Sail; an E-Sail, and - a bit more speculative - a laser-push by the proposed Starshot Array. Anything missing? |
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May 9 2016, 09:38 PM
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Solar System Cartographer Group: Members Posts: 10256 Joined: 5-April 05 From: Canada Member No.: 227 |
I think the Starshot approach is ideal. Think of it as the Pioneer 10 to Starshot's Voyager - proof of concept, and if they can't make it work there is really no point trying for a star. But if it does work, a series of them would allow a pretty good initial characterization of the planet (if it exists). The first might only be a quick survey of the planet, looking for moons or rings, or getting phase data. Then another could be directed closer in to get better images of the planet and a moon or two. The data collection strategy at the star is being tested as well as the propulsion.
Phil -------------------- ... because the Solar System ain't gonna map itself.
Also to be found posting similar content on https://mastodon.social/@PhilStooke Maps for download (free PDF: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/comm...Cartography.pdf NOTE: everything created by me which I post on UMSF is considered to be in the public domain (NOT CC, public domain) |
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