Why, today, would anyone undertake a plan to launch a spacecraft
some 30 years in the future, and on a journey that would take some
40 years to complete? Paul Gilster investigates the science, and
the spirit, of the NASA and JPL researchers who are actually at
work on just such a project.
From the reviews:
"Gilster introduces the challenges of imagining and planning
interstellar exploration by leading readers through the
difficulties of reaching and exploring the nearest bright star,
Alpha Centauri. Seeded by ideas and concepts of the late Robert
Forward, the narrative is framed as a learning process undertaken
simultaneously by writer and reader. Although Alpha Centauri is
astronomically nearby, a postulated trip by robot spacecraft,
followed by manned exploration, would take 50 to 1,000 years,
depending on the type of spacecraft propulsion used. Various
methods for interstellar travel are introduced and discussed,
including solar sails that use the power of starlight, nuclear
fusion, antimatter hybrid systems, and beamed laser propulsion. One
challenge is to get there in a reasonable time so that funding
support, public interest, and events on Earth will not divert
attention from the mission. Another challenge is timing the mission
relative to available technology, because with better technology it
might be possible to send a later robot on the same mission in less
time. The book has no figures, tables, or illustrations but does
include 30 pages of notes and an adequate 14-page index. Though the
concepts presented are often fanciful, this book will appeal to
readers who wonder about the future of exploration beyond the solar
system. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Generalreaders;
professionals." (W. E. Howard III, CHOICE, March 2005)
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!