Science from the In Situ Exploration of the Proxima Centauri System

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential scientific benefits of using laser-sail picospacecraft swarms for interstellar exploration of Proxima Centauri b, emphasizing high-resolution imaging and biosignature detection.

Contribution

It introduces a concept of interstellar missions with tiny spacecraft swarms capable of high-resolution flybys at relativistic speeds, highlighting their scientific potential.

Findings

Picospacecraft swarms can achieve gigapixel resolution of exoplanets.

Small spacecraft expeditions can detect surface biology or civilizations.

Fast flybys at near-relativistic speeds are feasible for interstellar exploration.

Abstract

In the future interstellar exploration at near-relativistic speeds will be possible using beamed energy laser propulsion. With this, spacecraft as small as gm mass picospacecraft become candidates for the exploration of deep space, with a trade space of velocity and mission duration versus mass. Here, we examine the potential science return from interstellar expeditions with Coracle laser-sail picospacecraft swarms and show how even with fast flybys at near relativistic velocities, a picospacecraft swarm could deliver gigapixel resolution of the target exoplanets. Our mission target is the planet Proxima b in the habitable zone (HZ) of the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, the tertiary (and nearest) component of the nearest star system, {\alpha} Centauri. We explore science returns from such an expedition, both en route to Proxima and at the Proxima system, and conclude that initial small spacecraft expeditions would provide a substantial science return, including the ability to detect surface biology or a technological civilization, should either or both be established on the target planet.