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A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight (1604.01356v8)

Published 5 Apr 2016 in astro-ph.EP, astro-ph.IM, and physics.pop-ph

Abstract: In the nearly 60 years of spaceflight we have accomplished wonderful feats of exploration that have shown the incredible spirit of the human drive to explore and understand our universe. Yet in those 60 years we have barely left our solar system with the Voyager 1 spacecraft launched in 1977 finally leaving the solar system after 37 years of flight at a speed of 17 km/s or less than 0.006% the speed of light. As remarkable as this is we will never reach even the nearest stars with our current propulsion technology in even 10 millennium. We have to radically rethink our strategy or give up our dreams of reaching the stars, or wait for technology that does not currently exist. While we all dream of human spaceflight to the stars in a way romanticized in books and movies, it is not within our power to do so, nor it is clear that this is the path we should choose. We posit a technological path forward, that while not simple, it is within our technological reach. We propose a roadmap to a program that will lead to sending relativistic probes to the nearest stars and will open up a vast array of possibilities of flight both within our solar system and far beyond. Spacecraft from gram level complete spacecraft on a wafer ("wafersats") that reach more than $1/4c$ and reach the nearest star in 20 years to spacecraft with masses more than $105$ kg (100 tons) that can reach speeds of greater than 1000 km/s. These systems can be propelled to speeds currently unimaginable with existing propulsion technologies. To do so requires a fundamental change in our thinking of both propulsion and in many cases what a spacecraft is. In addition to larger spacecraft, some capable of transporting humans, we consider functional spacecraft on a wafer, including integrated optical communications, imaging systems, photon thrusters, power and sensors combined with directed energy propulsion.

Citations (170)

Summary

  • The paper introduces directed energy propulsion using phase-locked laser arrays to accelerate wafer-scale spacecraft to relativistic speeds.
  • It details a stepwise roadmap from lab-scale trials to on-orbit demonstrations, addressing challenges like optical phase alignment and reflector efficiency.
  • The study emphasizes scalable, swarm-based spacecraft missions that could enable near-term interstellar exploration and broader space applications.

An Expert Review of "A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight"

The paper "A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight" authored by Philip Lubin, discusses the technological framework and practical considerations needed for interstellar exploration using directed energy propulsion. It outlines a multi-step plan that leverages advances in photonics, particularly focusing on using laser-driven propulsion methods to accelerate spacecraft to relativistic speeds. The objective is to propose feasible methodologies through which humanity can achieve interstellar travel in a timescale responsive to current technological trends.

Core Concepts and Methodological Framework

The research presents directed energy propulsion as an attainable solution to the significant challenges associated with interstellar flight. Unlike traditional propulsion technologies such as chemical and nuclear propulsion, the concept suggested here involves using phase-locked laser arrays to push miniature spacecrafts called "WaferSats" to fractions of light speed. The underlying premise is based on well-established physics that examined the scalability and practicality of such photon-driven systems, laying a path towards near-term probing of Alpha Centauri and, potentially, other nearby exoplanetary systems.

Technical Considerations

Key technical facets include the development of a light-photon drive utilizing modular and scalable laser arrays. These arrays are designed for high reflectivity and minimal absorption losses, enhancing photon momentum transfer efficiency, an aspect crucial for achieving relativistic velocities. The paper discusses the substantial engineering challenges associated, such as maintaining optical phase alignment over potentially astronomical distances, and recognizing photon recycling possibilities to achieve higher propulsion efficiencies.

An important aspect examined is the reflector technology, crucial for maximizing acceleration. The deployment of ultra-thin, multi-layer dielectric coatings on the reflectors ensures high reflectivity, optimal for minimal mass and high stability propulsion systems. Efficiency metrics show that the proposed system can achieve practical efficiencies nearing that of traditional chemically-driven launches but at velocities necessary for feasible interstellar travel.

Implementation and Feasibility

The roadmap articulates stepwise objectives beginning with lab-scale trials, progressing toward on-orbit tests, and culminating in large-scale deployment. Each step assesses the scalability and integration of the phased-array modules with wafer-scale spacecraft. The authors acknowledge the formidable engineering obstacles ahead but argue that technological trends in photonics and materials science provide a tangible path.

The concept of deploying these wafer-scale units as "swarms," rather than solitary units, strengthens the mission's reliability and autonomy. Despite complexities in achieving this, the integration of onboard solar and RTG power systems provides a feasible backbone for long-term operational sustenance over interstellar distances, even accommodating modest onboard optical communications systems.

Implications and Future Prospects

The implications of this research are profound, both practically and theoretically. The ability to send Swarm-based WaferSat spacecraft offers a new paradigm for space exploration, potentially allowing direct observational data collection from distant stars and planetary systems. The proposed system also sets a precedent for scalable self-contained extraterrestrial systems, with implications extending into planetary defense using directed energy, long-duration space communications, and even Earth-based applications in power beaming.

While Lubin's work does not dismiss other speculative ideas such as wormholes or antimatter propulsion, it offers a grounded, incremental approach. The roadmap, if pursued, marks the beginning of a significant new chapter in space exploration. Prospective collaborations with defense agencies and leveraging current technological advancements in photonic devices could drive the accelerator forward.

Conclusion

Overall, "A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight" is a comprehensive and astutely crafted blueprint with the potential to redefine humanity's place in the cosmic arena. It juxtaposes visionary ideas with actionable plans, pushing the boundaries of what is conceivable given today's technology. The numerical models, coupled with incremental deployment scenarios, suggest that interstellar missions may not just remain in the domain of fiction but might steer us towards a tangible future far beyond our solar frontiers.

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