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2 clusters · 8 sources · 5 days · First seen 10 days ago · Last updated 5 days ago

Fermi Explorer interstellar mission

Overview

A non-profit organization led by Starcloud co-founders Philip Johnston, Adi Oltean, and Ezra Feilden has established the Fermi Explorer mission. The project aims to launch a 1-kilogram spacecraft toward the Alpha Centauri star system to test the feasibility of interstellar travel and address the Fermi Paradox.

Initial plans indicated a potential departure by the early 2040s using the Oberth maneuver to gain velocity. However, subsequent updates specify a target launch date by the end of 2029. The mission intends to utilize existing solar-electric propulsion technology rather than speculative laser propulsion, with a trajectory involving repeated close approaches to the Sun to achieve interstellar speeds.

The project seeks to keep total costs for design, construction, launch, and operation below $15 million. While the journey is estimated to last between 73,000 and 80,000 years, organizers describe the mission as an achievable first step for future generations.

Entities

Alpha Centauri · Physical Superintelligence · Breakthrough Energy Ventures · Rob Meyerson · Philip Johnston

Timeline

5 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
Fermi Explorer Mission targets 2029 launch for interstellar probe
The Fermi Explorer Mission aims to launch a solar-electric spacecraft toward Alpha Centauri by 2029, embarking on an 80,000-year journey using existing propulsion technology.
10 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
Fermi Explorer mission aims to reach Alpha Centauri
Starcloud founders have launched a non-profit to send the Fermi Explorer, a 1kg spacecraft, to Alpha Centauri on an 80,000-year journey to test the feasibility of interstellar travel.

Sources

bild.de · daswetter.com · exterrajsc.com · geekspin.co · thebrighterside.news · time.news · tuttotech.net · uk.pcmag.com