The proposed engine would utilize hydrogen that has been heated and pressurized to achieve efficiencies that are three times higher than those of traditional rocket engines. Additionally, the researchers have suggested utilizing the power of the sun to propel an experimental spacecraft into interstellar space, as detailed in this article from Popular Mechanics.
The Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University is currently developing a prototype for a rocket design that was previously only a theoretical concept. This innovative design has the potential to transport spacecraft to interstellar space. Their approach involves utilizing solar heat instead of combustion to fuel the rocket engine.
Solar thermal propulsion is the term used by scientists to describe the process in which hydrogen is expanded, pressurized, and then released through a nozzle, resulting in the production of thrust.
According to Jason Benkoski, a materials scientist at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), solar thermal propulsion is the most efficient option from a physics perspective. However, there is a concern about preventing explosions.
During the 3rd Annual Interstellar Probe Exploration Workshop, Benkoski and his team, including members from APL and NASA, presented their design online. Benkoski’s calculations suggest that the engine could potentially be three times more efficient than current chemical combustion engines used in modern rockets.
NASA joined forces with APL in 2019 to initiate its research on the Interstellar Probe. The purpose of this research is to identify potential missions that can be launched in the next decade to study phenomena beyond the reach of our sun’s influence. While there is no unanimous agreement on the exact location of the solar system’s boundary and the beginning of interstellar space, one measure is the point where the heliosphere, made up of the sun’s magnetic fields and solar winds, can no longer be detected. This is known as the heliopause according to scientists.
Top Telescopes for Observing the Stars
The Gskyer AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is a telescope designed for astronomical observations.
With over 19,000 reviews and an impressive 4.4/5 rating on Amazon, it’s easy to understand why the Gskyer telescope is a beloved choice. It boasts a 70mm aperture and fully coated lenses, providing a sharp and unobstructed view of the celestial sky. Those with a knack for technology will value the wireless remote, smartphone adapter, and a bonus Barlow lens that triples the magnification of each eyepiece. The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod makes this telescope suitable for all members of the household.
The HEXEUM Telescope 70500 is a product of HEXEUM.
For those in search of a telescope suitable for children or beginners, the HEXEUM model is an excellent option. It features a 70mm aperture and includes two eyepieces, measuring 10mm and 25mm respectively. What sets this telescope apart is its phone adapter, allowing you to connect your phone to the eyepiece and capture stunning photos of the night sky.
The ECOOPRO Telescope is a refractor telescope designed for astronomy with a 70mm aperture.
With a 70mm aperture, two eye pieces, a finder scope, and a tripod, this telescope is compact and simple to assemble. It is suitable for both astrology and bird watching and can be placed on a tabletop using a 15-inch tripod or with extended legs up to 47 inches. Additionally, it includes a moon and star map for convenient guidance.
The ESSLNB Kids’ Telescope is a great option for young astronomers.
The telescope offered by ESSLNB is an ideal option for children or those new to stargazing. It comes equipped with a built-in reversing lens, ensuring that all images observed will always be in the correct orientation. Its 70mm lens provides a broad field of vision and the telescope’s high brightness allows for clear visibility. Additionally, it offers the convenience of connecting to your phone, allowing for the capture of quality photos of the celestial objects.
The Emarth Telescope is a powerful tool for observing the night sky.
For novice astronomers, Emarth’s Telescope offers a plethora of features to enjoy. Its usage is simple: Just align the tube towards the desired object and observe. Equipped with two superior eyepieces (70mm and 360mm) that offer both low and high magnification of celestial bodies, it makes stargazing effortless.
Lunar Telescope for Kids by NASA.
For those who love adventure or children who have a spontaneous desire to gaze at the stars, the NASA Lunar Telescope is the ideal choice. It weighs just over two pounds, making it easy to store in your car’s trunk. With its multi-coated, extra-low dispersion optical glass, this telescope guarantees a crisp and well-contrasted view of the sky at night.
The Celestron 70mm Refractor Telescope is a high-quality telescope with a 70mm aperture.
This telescope is perfect for those who are new to stargazing, and is priced accordingly. It has a large aperture of 70 millimeters, which enhances the visibility of stars and constellations. The telescope also comes with two eyepieces, measuring 10mm and 20mm, making it suitable for a variety of stargazing activities. Additionally, the SkyPortal app can be downloaded for free to help locate specific celestial objects, or you can use Celestron’s Starry Night software. A tripod, finder scope, and backpack are also included with the telescope for easy transportation.
The APL is searching for a probe that can journey a distance of 50 billion miles in less than 20 years, which is three times farther than the outermost boundaries of the heliosphere. To provide context, let’s examine the current holder of the record for the furthest distance traveled.
In the year 2012, the Voyager 1 spacecraft achieved the remarkable feat of being the first human-made object to exit our solar system. It took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 1977, riding on a Titan III rocket, and spent 2 years traveling to Jupiter. The planet’s immense gravitational pull propelled it towards its next destinations of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. (For a complete timeline of the spacecraft’s journey, refer to the link provided here).
After nearly 40 years since its initial launch, Voyager 1 is currently over 14 billion miles away from Earth and moving at a speed of 38,000 mph. The APL team aims to surpass this achievement by increasing the spacecraft’s velocity to 200,000 mph and completing the trip in half the duration.
Think of it as going downhill to build up speed for the upcoming uphill climb. The steeper the hill or the closer you are to a massive object such as the sun, the more effortless it is to gather momentum and make the most out of your energy. However, the issue lies in the intense heat of the sun.
In the year 2025, the Parker Solar Probe by NASA will execute its nearest encounter with the sun. It will approach within a distance of 4 million miles from the sun’s surface, move at a velocity surpassing 400,000 mph, and endure temperatures reaching up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. To withstand the intense heat from the immense nuclear furnace, NASA has equipped the probe with a shield made of 4.5 inches thick carbon-composite material.
For APL to successfully send its probe within a distance of one million miles from the sun, it must be able to endure temperatures of approximately 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit for a duration of 2.5 hours while executing its Oberth maneuver. To achieve this, NASA is currently researching alternative materials that can be used to coat the spacecraft and effectively reflect the intense heat of the sun. In addition, the heat shield may also utilize the hydrogen passing through it as a form of radiator, thereby dissipating the thermal energy as propellant.