Interstellar space biology via Project Starlight
| Autor: | Stephen Lantin, Xander Apicella, Alexander Cohen, Ghassan Akkad, Michael Waltemathe, Eliana Beltran-Pardo, Pradeep M. Joshi, Sophie Mendell, Emma McCoy, Prasanna Srinivasan, Philip Lubin, Joel H. Rothman |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
Solar System
Planetary protection Spacecraft business.industry Computer science Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Propulsion Article Astrobiology Starlight Directed energy propulsion Aerospace & Aeronautics Interstellar propulsion Interplanetary spaceflight business Cryptobiosis NASA starlight Space biology |
| Zdroj: | Acta Astronaut |
| Popis: | Our ability to explore the cosmos by direct contact has been limited to a small number of lunar and interplanetary missions. However, the NASA Starlight program points a path forward to send small, relativistic spacecraft far outside our solar system via standoff directed-energy propulsion. These miniaturized spacecraft are capable of robotic exploration but can also transport seeds and organisms, marking a profound change in our ability to both characterize and expand the reach of known life. Here we explore the biological and technological challenges of interstellar space biology, focusing on radiation-tolerant microorganisms capable of cryptobiosis. Additionally, we discuss planetary protection concerns and other ethical considerations of sending life to the stars. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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