PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 18 Will Starshot's Insterstellar Journey Succeed?

PBS Space Time season 2016 episode 18 is titled "Will Starshot's Interstellar Journey Succeed?" This episode delves into the quest of the Starshot mission, which aims to send a fleet of tiny spacecraft to Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system to our own, in order to search for signs of life.

The episode starts with an overview of the current limitations of space travel, highlighting the challenges posed by the vast distances between stars and the high speeds required to make meaningful progress. The episode then introduces the concept of the Starshot mission, which seeks to overcome these limitations by using a swarm of small spacecraft equipped with ultra-light sails that can be propelled by high-energy laser beams.

The episode explores the science behind the Starshot mission, explaining the mechanics of propulsion and how lasers can provide the necessary power to propel the spacecraft to near-relativistic speeds. The episode also highlights some of the technical challenges that must be overcome in order for the mission to be successful, including developing a functional laser array with enough energy to propel the spacecraft, designing a navigation system that can accurately guide the tiny probes to their target, and creating materials that can withstand the extreme conditions encountered during the journey.

Throughout the episode, the PBS Space Time team speaks with experts in the field of space exploration and astrophysics, including scientists involved in the development of the Starshot mission. These experts provide insight into the scientific principles underlying the mission, as well as the challenges and potential benefits of the project.

The episode also takes a look at the potential impact of the Starshot mission on our understanding of the universe and the prospects for discovering extraterrestrial life. It explores the current search for exoplanets, explaining the methods used to identify these distant worlds and the data that can be gleaned about their composition and potential habitability. The episode notes that the Starshot mission could potentially revolutionize this search, providing the means to collect data about planets around Alpha Centauri in unprecedented detail.

Overall, "Will Starshot's Interstellar Journey Succeed?" is a thought-provoking exploration of the potential of the Starshot mission and the implications it could have for the future of space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth. Through engaging interviews with leading experts and detailed explanations of the scientific concepts involved, the episode provides an accessible and informative look at one of the most exciting space projects currently in development.