Fermi Explorer team plans to launch a probe that will reach the star system next door … in 80,000 years

A newly formed nonprofit plans to launch the first spacecraft deliberately targeted at another star system by 2029 for under $15 million—knowing its 80,000-year journey will end in the distant outskirts of Alpha Centauri long after everyone involved is dead.

Fermi Explorer trades speed for feasibility: existing ion propulsion, a tiny payload and a coast lasting almost 80,000 years toward the outer reaches of Alpha Centauri. The post A newly formed nonprofit plans to launch the first spacecraft deliberately targeted at another star system by 2029 for under $15 million—knowing its 80,000-year journey will end in the distant outskirts of Alpha Centauri long after everyone involved is dead. appeared fir…

AI Charts Slow Path to Alpha Centauri in $15 Million Mission

An AI system from Physical Superintelligence found a novel 12-year trajectory that lets a $15M, 1kg probe reach Alpha Centauri in under 80,000 years. The Fermi Explorer mission, announced this week by Starcloud founders, plans a 2029 launch using solar-electric perihelion pumps. It marks the first explicit human attempt to target another star on a shoestring budget.

Want to Help Fund an 80,000-Year Journey? Nonprofit Wants to Send Space Probe to Alpha Centauri

The Fermi Explorer mission is asking for donations to send a spacecraft to the closest star system to Earth. Just don't expect an immediate return on investment.

Private group proposes a low-cost mission to Alpha Centauri

The Fermi Explorer Mission aims to launch in just three years and arrive at Alpha Centauri in roughly 80,000 years at a cost of less than $15 million – an absolute bargain, relatively speaking. The non-profit is co-founded by Philip Johnston, Ezra Feilden, and Adi Oltean, who recently brought startup...Read Entire Article

Fermi Explorer team plans to launch a probe that will reach the star system next door … in 80,000 years

Seattle-area nonprofit group kicks off a campaign to raise $15 million and solicit bids for a milestone interstellar mission.