JUDE: THE INTERSTELLAR SMALL SATELLITE EXPLORER

摘要

This report was initially proposed by the 'Initiative for Interstellar Studies' (i4is) on the topic of designing a mission to a star with a scientific payload of 100 kg or less. The motivation for such a project is based on the majority of previous interstellar mission designs including a spacecraft that is massive in size and mass. This report aims to show a possible mission design that will narrow current, public misconceptions about the difficulties of interstellar travel by using a small payload. This project researches into the areas of interstellar propulsion, communications and data collection while outlining the most viable options based on the requirements. This is collated into a possible mission design named 'Jude'. 'Jude' sets out to travel to the star Alpha Centauri B using solar sail technology coupled with electrodynamic tethers. Data collection at the star will be completed using a swarm of extremely small spacecraft known as 'ChipSats'. What will be shown is that low mass payloads utilizing nanotechnology powered by solar sails is the future for interstellar travel.