Just how would you get to Proxima b using existing or possible technology in the next twenty to third years for an unmanned mission.
It's not a straight line target as well, isn't Proxima Centauri at a fair old inclination to the Solar System?
Quote from: Star One on 08/24/2016 05:17 pmJust how would you get to Proxima b using existing or possible technology in the next twenty to third years for an unmanned mission.I hate to make such a strident and depressing pronouncement, but it's just not possible using any current or foreseeable technology to get to Proxima Cen and do anything scientifically useful in the next 20-30 yrs. Remember that it took a small spacecraft on our (then) largest launch vehicle 10 years to get to Pluto at 40-some-odd AU. I can't even figure out a way to usefully get to a Planet 9 at 500AU much less Proxima in that kind of timeframe.So in our lifetimes the only way to learn more is via better remote telescopic observation, barring a fundamental technological breakthrough.
... in the next 20-30 yrs.... I can't even figure out a way to usefully get to a Planet 9 at 500AU much less Proxima in that kind of timeframe....
But a really good telescope at the gravitational focus should give excellent remote sensing of Proxima b!
Quote from: Robotbeat on 08/25/2016 02:29 amBut a really good telescope at the gravitational focus should give excellent remote sensing of Proxima b!If so, why not send a telescope (fitted with a really good data link) at regular speeds? Hubble might do the trick.
chrislintott @chrislintott@ChrisInmanDrum @Maker_of_Things In my chat with the discoverers they were thinking of a dedicated mission to state at this star