Interstellar Sessions at Princeton

by | Mar 6, 2006 | Research Tools

It’s a pleasure to report that the proceedings volume for last June’s New Trends in Astrodynamics conference in Princeton has been published. You can find the contents here. Three papers tackled issues with interstellar implications:

  • Gregory L. Matloff, Travis Taylor, Conley Powell, and Tryshanda Moton, “Phobos/Deimos Sample Return via Solar Sail” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 429-440. An examination of sail technologies for a practical mission within the Solar System.
  • Marc G. Millis, “Assessing Potential Propulsion Breakthroughs,” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 441-461. A summary of the methods, findings, and benefit predictions of breakthrough propulsion physics.
  • Paul A. Gilster, “The Interstellar Conundrum: A Survey of Concepts and Proposed Solutions,” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 462-470. A look at the ingenious ways theorists have envisioned taking us to the stars with near-term technologies.

    • Cover for New Trends proceedingsThe Princeton event was a marvelous experience (my recollections are online), not just in the chance to talk to Ed Belbruno, whose work I have long admired, but also to have dinner with interstellar theorist Gregory Matloff and his wife, the artist C Bangs, as well as a long and enjoyable breakfast with the Matloffs and Claudio Maccone in Princeton’s Nassau Inn. Next August’s conference should feature a greatly expanded interstellar session, and I’ll have more details on participants as they become available.

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    In Centauri Dreams, Paul Gilster looks at peer-reviewed research on deep space exploration, with an eye toward interstellar possibilities. For many years this site coordinated its efforts with the Tau Zero Foundation. It now serves as an independent forum for deep space news and ideas. In the logo above, the leftmost star is Alpha Centauri, a triple system closer than any other star, and a primary target for early interstellar probes. To its right is Beta Centauri (not a part of the Alpha Centauri system), with Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon Crucis, stars in the Southern Cross, visible at the far right (image courtesy of Marco Lorenzi).

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