The Astronomical, Astrobiological and Planetary Science Case for Interstellar Spaceflight
Abstract
A review is presented of the scientific benefits of rapid (v 0.1 c) interstellar spaceflight. Significant benefits are identified in the fields of interstellar medium studies, stellar astrophysics, planetary science and astrobiology. In the latter three areas the benefits would be considerably enhanced if the interstellar vehicle is able to decelerate from its interstellar cruise velocity to rest relative to the target system. Although this will greatly complicate the mission architecture, and extend the overall travel time, the scientific benefits are such that this option should be considered seriously in future studies.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
- Pub Date:
- 2009
- DOI:
- 10.48550/arXiv.1008.4893
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1008.4893
- Bibcode:
- 2009JBIS...62..415C
- Keywords:
-
- Interstellar travel;
- Interstellar medium;
- Extrasolar planets;
- Astrobiology;
- interstellar medium;
- extrasolar planets;
- astrobiology;
- Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 26 pages. Published in: Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 62, 415-421, (2009)