Researchers at NASA are working with renowned physicist Stephen Hawking to build a nano-starship that can travel at 1/5 the speed of light.
NASA & Stephen Hawking Working On Nano-Starship That Can Travel 1/5th Speed Of Light
NASA’s researchers and renowned physicist Stephen Hawking are coming together to develop a nano-starship that can travel one-fifth or you can say 20% of the speed of light. Researchers claimed that if the plan turns out to be the success, the ship which they named “StarChip” could reach Earth’s closest star system, Alpha Centauri within 20 years.
Sources also claim that Russian billionaire Yuri Milner and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg were also involved in this project. Back in April this year, the team of scientist along with Stephen Hawking announced the breakthrough Starshot project to explore interstellar space.
The important question here was whether the electronics that are used in such a tiny, vulnerable spacecraft survive for 20 years in the hostility of space? That’s where NASA plays their role. Researchers have briefly described that high-energy radiation in space could cause the ship to cease functionality well before the 20-year trip was over.
According to the reports from Dailymail.co.uk, “Astronomers estimate that there is a reasonable chance of an Earth-like planet existing in the ‘habitable zones’ of Alpha Centauri’s three-star system”. Furthermore, NASA researchers and KAIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology” has revealed that self-healing silicon chips can be used to extend the life of a tiny spacecraft.
In recent times, Stephen Hawkins claimed that Earth is a wonder place, but it will not last forever. So, launching a mission to Alpha Centauri within a generation is indeed very exciting for the one’s concerned. This all findings were presented at the International Electron devices Meeting in San Francisco Last week.
So, what do you think about this? Share your views in the comment box below !
