Re:Crowdfunded spacecraft LightSail 2 prepares to go sailing...
by umeshunni on Sunday June 23, 2019 @12:02PM
(#20256457)
Note that this is an orbital test and not the actual 'launch' to alpha centauri.
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Re:Crowdfunded spacecraft LightSail 2 prepares to go sailing...
by dghughes on Sunday June 23, 2019 @04:04PM
(#20258328)
Several small spacecraft with solar sails project Breakthrough Starshot. Some solar energy will provide a push on the sails but the main push is from powerful ground-based lasers since solar energy alone isn't enough energy.
At 20% speed of light (c) or about 60,000 kilometres per second it will take 20 years to get there. Then 4 years for the radio signals to get back.
I may see some pictures of Alpha Centauri in my lifetime if they get this project going soon.