New technologies could make this possible

May 7, 2010 13:03 GMT  ·  By

Many decades ago, a number of scientific initiatives decided to research the possibility of sending unmanned space capsule into outer space, to visit solar systems outside of our own. But these plans were largely abandoned for two main reasons – the lack of adequate technologies, and the shortage of viable targets for exploration. Both of these issues have now been resolved, and so investigators are looking for new alternatives to creating interstellar spacecrafts, Space reports.

A much wider array of advanced technologies is available now than, say, in the 1970s. Innovative materials, significantly superior computers, new design techniques and better engineering skills are just some of the improvements that are bound to make a difference in this field of research. In addition, more than 400 exoplanets are currently known, many of which are fairly close to our solar system. However, the main problem is not getting there, but doing so within a human lifespan. In order to do this, researchers at the Tau Zero Foundation, in collaboration with colleagues from the British Interplanetary Society (BIS), have formed Project Icarus.

“The Project Daedalus theoretical engineering design study took place over three decades ago. In the time since, there have been many advances in science and technology. There is a need to maintain interest in and the capability to design interstellar probes. With many of the historical leaders in this field now nearing retirement or deceased, the Project Icarus study group wants to take up the baton and keep alive the long term vision that travel to the stars will one day be possible. This is one of the reasons why over half of the team is relatively fresh out of their university studies,” says key Icarus designer, expert Kelvin Long.

The group will be considering possible applications for almost all innovations that took place in science over the years, ranging from antimatter propulsion and inertial confinement nuclear fusion to the latest advancements in electronics, nanotechnology, computer science and materials science. Additionally, the team will also combine this data with interesting targets for space exploration. Selecting a destination is one of the most important and crucial steps of a potential mission to another star, as the distance that needs to be covered would dictate just about everything about a future exploration spacecraft.

“Icarus may not be the blueprint for how we first reach the stars, but it is hoped that it will be an important contribution towards this long term goal. Another purpose of Project Icarus is to remind space agency mission planners to think outside of the box,” Long explains.