Finger
New Member
So it seems as though NASA and DARPA are launching a year-long study into the possibility of a "100-Year Starship." That's a ship designed for the one-way transportation of colonists to a planet in another solar system. They also imply a deadline for this ship's construction. 100 years from now.
http://www.darpa.mil/news/2010/StarshipNewsRelease.pdf
I think it's wonderful that we're starting to finally, seriously look into this type of thing, rather than leaving it entirely up to science-fiction authors.
http://www.darpa.mil/news/2010/StarshipNewsRelease.pdf
This has got me thinking more about the logistics of such a journey. Not just the ship's design and propulsion, but things like the power structure, economy, ect. What sort of people would be desired for a trip like this? What sort of people are likely to volunteer for a trip like this?The 100-Year Starship study will examine the business model needed to develop and mature a technology portfolio enabling long-distance manned space flight a century from now. This goal will require sustained investments of intellectual and financial capital from a variety of sources. The year-long study aims to develop a construct that will incentivize and facilitate private co-investment to ensure continuity of the lengthy technological time horizon needed.
I think it's wonderful that we're starting to finally, seriously look into this type of thing, rather than leaving it entirely up to science-fiction authors.