this post was submitted on 15 Dec 2023
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Will we ever reach as far again?
I really can't say, I'm not privy to any of the outer solar system projects that might be in the works. Voyager was originally intended to do flyby of the outer planets, and then it headed out of the solar system. I think the trajectory was always designed with the idea that it could exit the solar system. As far as I'm aware, we've done a few missions to asteroids, but nothing that is going out to do flyby of the outer planets. But, I could be wrong, don't take my word for it. All of the stuff I have worked on has been near earth, or pointing away from the earth but still within the vicinity of L1 and L2 Lagrange points.
You'd be surprised how many missions nasa has in the works at any one time.
From ChatGPT just now:
Me: Summarize projects active as of early 2022 involving plans to send objects out of the solar system
ChatGPT (v4) Voyager 1 and 2: Continuing their journey, both launched in the 1970s. They are studying the outer solar system and interstellar space. New Horizons: After its Pluto flyby, it's on an extended mission to explore the Kuiper Belt and beyond.
Pioneer 10 and 11: Although no longer sending data, they continue to travel out of the solar system.
Interstellar Probe Study: A NASA conceptual study for a mission to explore the interstellar medium.
Breakthrough Starshot Initiative: A research and engineering project aiming to develop a proof-of-concept fleet of light sail spacecraft, capable of making the journey to Alpha Centauri.
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Programs: Some concepts under study, such as solar sails and fusion propulsion, could potentially send craft out of the solar system. These projects represent a blend of ongoing missions, conceptual studies, and advanced propulsion research with potential applications for future interstellar travel.
Incidentally, the light sail starshot project is talking about speeds of 0.3c.
I fucking love that project. Heard about it from Neil Tyson.
I think when we have space based fuel and fabrication infrastructure we'll be able to make some interesting projects, some huge thing that just burns its rockets at full power through the solar system.
Or a very robust probe fired from a giant nuclear cannon on the dark side of the moon. If you start the journey at top speed that cuts out all the acceleration time, we could have stuff popping off in every direction.