Physics
Scientific paper
Jan 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000aipc..504..917m&link_type=abstract
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM - 2000. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 504, pp. 917-924 (2000).
Physics
1
Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Interplanetary Physics, Main-Sequence: Late-Type Stars
Scientific paper
For more than 20 years, an ``Interstellar Precursor Mission'' to ~1000 AU within the working lifetime of the initiators (<50 years) has been discussed as a high priority for multiple scientific objectives. During the last two years there has been renewed interest in actually sending a probe to another star system - a ``grand challenge'' for NASA - and the idea of a precursor mission has been renewed as a beginning step to achieve this goal. We revisit an old idea for implementing such a mission. The probe is launched initially to Jupiter and then falls to the Sun where a large propulsive ΔV maneuver propels it on a high-energy ballistic escape trajectory from the solar system. The implementation requires a low-mass, highly-integrated spacecraft to make use of moderate (Delta-class) expendable launch vehicles. We provide a first-order cut at many of the engineering realities associated with such a probe. We identify a mission concept that can link the required science, desired instruments, spacecraft engineering and the realities of the fiscal and technological milieu in which NASA must operate if such missions are to reach fruition and lay the groundwork for eventually realizing true starships. .
Andrews Bruce G.
Fraeman M.
Gold Robert E.
Heeres K.
McAdams James
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