Apr 13, 2016 00:58
Kjell Arne Rekaa
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
The best way is to build a relay-based communication, and make sure that there are either sent a few new nano-space-ships every month during the whole periode of 20+ years.
Or a combination of making sure of accordingly difference in speed of each 100+ small crafts which are sent every now and then,
The second to the leading craft is relaying data further backward to the third craft, and keep on until messages are reached back to earth.
Apr 13, 2016 09:08
Rj Hillan
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
I believe the best method would be using a separate and smaller information based laser system. since we already have the capability to use lasers as mediums for data, we could have a small satellite network set up and launched that use this laser data-transmitting technology to constantly maintain a connection with the nano spacecraft. if we could use the laser to maintain a near constant connection, the nano probe could use the laser as a guide to keep itself centered and on course. more would have to be thought about this if it was going to be used. but the concept of almost having a laser to always tell the probe where to point seems like it would remove the need for a few sensors, reducing cost and lightening the nano craft.
Apr 14, 2016 14:16
Nemo in Nihilum
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
Well,
regarding the relays, please consider my post here:
https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/index.php?controller=Forum&action=viewforum&id=13&page=2
Regarding the LaserLightHouse ;) (guiding beam) described by Rj:
An interesting Idea, to keep track of the Sol System (although the spectrum of our Sun would be usable as well) and maybe Earth.
But don't forget the motion of the celestial bodies and the limited speed of light. The direction from which the laser is received, is not the straight direction to earth and most likely its vector does not point strait to our fly by area.
Whereas I notice the necessity for me to read up on how to calculate he motion of solar systems on an intersolar scale.
Aug 24, 2016 19:17
Nicola Petts (nee Waite)
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
Hi
Firstly let me say I'm not a scientist, I write science fiction in my spare time. I always think of science fiction writers as unofficial theoretical physicists (lol).
I would like to add a suggestion, not wanting to waste time as what I suggest may not be technically possible at the moment but what if......
The initial craft was designed almost like a set of Russian Dolls, Craft 1 is launched with a laser from Earth to push it on its way. At a pre-determined distance it ejects a smaller craft 2 and using an on board laser pushes craft 2 on its way. Craft 1 remains fixed in space to act as a relay for information from craft 2.
Similarly craft 2 ejects craft 3 and pushes it on its way, remaining in position e.t.c until all craft are deployed and the target acquired.
Aug 29, 2016 22:31
Joshua West
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
If using the photon thruster is enough just be able to have enough time (which is dilated) to be able to counter-act the rotation of the camera which will change the orientation of the laser. Time to correct will be small if you are aiming at the star or another planetary body with only 4 thrusters to get back on target.
Aug 31, 2016 16:27
Elancha Security
Posted on: Centauri Dreams
I'm not a physistist. But, why cant we launch like 10 or a couple 100 of these and have each one potitioned in a line so that the main systen relays the data to those closer to earth until it arrives. Wouldn't it make a signal faster if if was transferred for device to device instead of transferring once all the way to earth? This is a question that has been stuck in my mind for quite some time. I'd love a good answer.
Sep 23, 2016 20:19
garypwilson@gmail.com
Posted on: Centauri Dreams
Considering that we are considering this a logical and viable path of endeavor, would it not be amiss to consider monitoring our own local neighborhood for incoming nanocraft,surveying our neighborhood. Considering our recent discoveries of a multitude of exoplanets? It seems logical to assume that if this is the OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), we could assume that n other intelligence would do the same? Is it possible that we would find local nanocraft before our nanocraft got there?
Sep 29, 2016 16:48
jrwoods57@gmail.com
Posted on: Centauri Dreams
If we take a low estimate of a 1W laser (on each nanocraft) with a 1cm waist, the divergence of the laser beam will make the area of the beam so large after 4LY that, as long as the beam is in the direction of the sun, we should be fine. The trick will be separating the signal from the output of the star. This should be aided by the fact that the laser signal will be monochromatic and polarized.
Nov 05, 2016 04:35
Breakthrough Initiatives
Posted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
RE:
"Apr 13, 2016 00:58Kjell Arne RekaaPosted on: Breakthrough Initiatives
The best way is to build a relay-based communication, and make sure that there are either sent a few new nano-space-ships every month during the whole periode of 20+ years.
Or a combination of making sure of accordingly difference in speed of each 100+ small crafts which are sent every now and then,
The second to the leading craft is relaying data further backward to the third craft, and keep on until messages are reached back to earth."
Answer:
This is an excellent suggestion. We are not sure about the reliability of a system that requires all of the star chips to functions for the entire 25 year mission. There might be lower risk approaches.
- Avi Loeb, Breakthrough Starshot
