SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - View Single Post - New Project Plans To Send A Spacecraft To Alpha Centauri In 20 Years

Buddahaid · 04-13-16, 08:20 PM

David Brin's 2012 book Existance uses these laser propelled solar sails in an interesting slant. Not only do they get a big push from the laser on the way out, but they use the sail as a brake when approaching a star system.

The power available to transmit images could be supplied by the sail if it also worked as a collector and twenty years in electronics development will bring some amazing changes.

I'm OK with it and I'm happy they're choosing a spacecraft. Watercraft just don't cut it.

04-13-16, 08:20 PM	#2
Buddahaid Shark above Space Chicken Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 9,332 Downloads: 162 Uploads: 0	David Brin's 2012 book Existance uses these laser propelled solar sails in an interesting slant. Not only do they get a big push from the laser on the way out, but they use the sail as a brake when approaching a star system. The power available to transmit images could be supplied by the sail if it also worked as a collector and twenty years in electronics development will bring some amazing changes. I'm OK with it and I'm happy they're choosing a spacecraft. Watercraft just don't cut it. __________________ "However vast the darkness, we must provide our own light." Stanley Kubrick "Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming." David Bowie