12-24-2016, 11:56 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-25-2016, 12:02 AM by stevebowers.)
The Starshot concept doesn't include a deceleration phase; it just involves sending a probe through the target system at a small but significant fraction of light. As a data-collection strategy this doesn't compete very well with building larger telescopes with wide interferometer baselines.
In OA there were a few starwisp-type beamrider probes
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/47f42ab73ce60
but in general much better info could be achieved by telescopes like the Eyes of Neptune
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/564e2f6599744
at least, until the first decelerating probes were constructed.
A probe could reconfigure in flight to deploy a magbrake, which requires no fuel (but does require some energy), or it could use Robert Forward's idea of a reflecting sail, which would need very tightly focused beams from the launch system. Forward's idea also included a lens for focusing purposes, as seen here.
![[Image: D001FA02.GIF]](http://www.transorbital.net/Library/D001FA02.GIF)
In OA there were a few starwisp-type beamrider probes
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/47f42ab73ce60
but in general much better info could be achieved by telescopes like the Eyes of Neptune
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/564e2f6599744
at least, until the first decelerating probes were constructed.
A probe could reconfigure in flight to deploy a magbrake, which requires no fuel (but does require some energy), or it could use Robert Forward's idea of a reflecting sail, which would need very tightly focused beams from the launch system. Forward's idea also included a lens for focusing purposes, as seen here.