🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Nov17.023854.5180@bnr.ca> davev@bnr.ca writes:
>I've read that it would be possible to send a "probe" to the
>nearest star at near relativistic speeds by making use of a large
>solar sail and a small lightweight probe.  This sounds cheap,
>but extremely difficult.

I would say 'expensive' and extremely difficult, since the technology would
have to literally be developed from the ground up. NASA has a history of
ignoring common modern technology in favor of tried and true (and previously
implemented) technology.  Tape drives on space probes and core memory in
the space shuttle are two examples.


>However, one watches Star Wars and Star Trek, etc, and dreams
>of faster than light travel and sending probes and people to the
>far reaches of space.  
>
>a)  What are people's opinions on unmanned planetary exploration
>    through the use of solar sails, and

Since we have technology and proven capability to send probes to planets
on reasonable time scales *already*, I think that the idea of developing
a whole new technology for thrust energy will be frowned on.

>b)  Why is or why is not faster than light travel possible? 


Depends on if what you want to accelerate beyond 'c' has mass or not. If it
has any mass, the mass of the object approaches infinity as you approach
the speed of light.  ONe thing many people ignore is that you can work to
go *much* faster than we are currently capable of going.

>    know that as an object approaches the speed of light it's
>    mass approaches infinity, and that besides needing infinite
>    propellent, you need to eject it just as fast, using conventional
>    means.  I'd be interested in the non-conventional.


Oops, there you go. This kind of discussion happens *all the time* in 
sci.'physics'  In general,correct me if I'm wrong, Planetary Scientists,
but the reason that Planetary Scientists are able to get so much done  as they
do is because they aren't spending their time on conjecture as much as reality.




-- 
David Knapp                                      University of Colorado, Boulder
Perpetual Student                                   knapp@spot.colorado.edu