[ExI] Beamed Propulsion Could Push Us to Proxima Centauri?

[Brent Allsop]

Exciting!
So when do we get some interstellar probes started?


On Wed, Jul 3, 2024 at 12:56 PM BillK via extropy-chat <
extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:

> Posted on July 3, 2024 by Andy Tomaswick
> A Concentrated Beam of Particles and Photons Could Push Us to Proxima
> Centauri
> <
> https://www.universetoday.com/167668/a-concentrated-beam-of-particles-and-photons-could-push-us-to-proxima-centauri/
> >
> Quote:
> Recently, optics research has developed a way of combining particle
> and laser beams that all but eliminates diffraction and beam spreading
> when both are used simultaneously. This would allow a beamed
> propulsion system to continue concentrating its beam on exactly the
> right place without slowly losing its pushing force as the probe gets
> further away.
> -----------------
>
> This article struck me as being very speculative.
> I could see a couple of possible problems immediately.
> So I asked a couple of AIs to discuss it.
> They surprised me by appearing to understand the issues and then even
> proposed solutions.
> The full discussion was really interesting.  :)
> (No wonder people are happy to discuss their relationship difficulties
> with therapy AIs)!
> BillK
>
> Here are some extracts from the Gemma 2 AI -
>
> Challenges:
> Energy Requirements: Generating a beam powerful enough to accelerate a
> spacecraft to such speeds would require an immense amount of energy.
> Focusing the Beam: Maintaining a focused beam over interstellar
> distances would be incredibly challenging due to atmospheric
> distortion and the vast distances involved.
> Sail Technology: Developing a sail material that is both lightweight
> and durable enough to withstand the intense forces of the beam is a
> major technological hurdle.
>
> You're absolutely right. Focusing a beam over interstellar distances
> onto a tiny, fast-moving object with a response time of years is an
> incredibly daunting challenge.
>
> Challenges:
> Atmospheric Distortion: Earth's atmosphere distorts light and would
> significantly scatter a laser beam, making it difficult to maintain
> focus. This would require a space-based laser array, adding to the
> complexity and cost.
> Beam Divergence: Even in space, laser beams naturally spread out over
> long distances. Keeping the beam focused on a tiny target moving at
> relativistic speeds would require extremely precise aiming and
> potentially adaptive optics to compensate for any deviations.
> Target Tracking: Accurately tracking the tiny spacecraft over
> interstellar distances and adjusting the beam accordingly would be a
> monumental task.
> ------------------
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