Proxima Centauri: Coherent Picospacecraft Swarms over Interstellar Distances

NASA is exploring the concept of deploying tiny gram-scale interstellar probes, known as picospacecraft, to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star system. The proposed mission aims to utilize a large swarm of thousands of these probes, propelled by powerful laser beams, to achieve relativistic speeds. The mission is expected to launch by the third quarter of this century, contingent on advancements in laser technology and robust lasersails. Given the significant time delay in communication (an 8-year round trip), the swarm must operate autonomously, prioritizing data collection and transmission back to Earth. The coordination of these probes is critical, relying on a mesh network and synchronized clocks to maintain accurate positioning and timing. The initial launch will consist of a long string of probes that will coalesce into a mesh network over time, allowing for effective communication and data return. This innovative approach not only mitigates risks associated with individual probes but also enhances the potential for scientific discovery. The research team anticipates that swarming techniques can be tested in simulated environments before the mid-century timeline, paving the way for future missions that could explore various celestial bodies and phenomena within our solar system and beyond.

- NASA is developing tiny interstellar probes to explore Proxima Centauri.

- The mission relies on a swarm of thousands of autonomous picospacecraft.

- Coordination and communication among probes are essential for data collection.

- The project aims to test swarming techniques in simulated environments before actual missions.

- Successful implementation could lead to new types of space exploration missions.