La NASA NIAC it is in Phase 1 of a study to carry heavy payloads (over 1 ton) on space travel across the solar system and beyond to the frontier of interstellar space.
This new propulsion technology based on "pellet beams" could allow spacecraft to reach speeds up to nine times higher than those achieved by the Voyager 1 spacecraft.
What are "pellet spokes"?
Imagine boarding a spacecraft propelled by a stream of hypervelocity microscopic particles, called pellet beams. These beams, created via laser ablation, can reach speeds in excess of 120 kilometers per second. With this cutting-edge technology, we would be able to reach desired orbits and space destinations much more efficiently.
The research team is exploring the possibility of push-pull space travel payloads from 1 ton to 500 AU (astronomical units) in less than 20 years. This would overcome all the limitations that hinder space exploration today.
Currently only two space probes have left the heliosphere to enter interstellar space, taking 35 years to reach the heliopause. These are Voyager 1 and 2.
With pellet rays the outer planets of the solar system could be reached in less than a year. 100 astronomical units (AU) in about 3 years, 500 AU in about 15 years. We are on the brink of a new era in space exploration and pellet beams could be the key that opens the door to the depths of the universe.
Why is it important for space travel
Unlike other thrusters under study, this system propelled by "pellet beams" allows to move spacecraft weighing up to one ton, greatly expanding the possibilities of space travel. In Phase 1 of the project (I'll link you here for more information) researchers will explore the feasibility of pellet beams through detailed subsystem modeling and experimental studies.
Then, they'll move on to testing them for high-speed interstellar probes. And they will pave the way for more distant and ambitious exploration missions. We'll see!
