Infrared Imaging Systems

Posted on May 14th, 2010 by admin

Travel to Alpha Centauri system?

Ok - here's the idea: an external pulsed plasma propulsion engine is built in space. His only purpose is to get to Alpha Centauri as quickly as possible. It's only load is a device for taking pictures at all wavelengths of light (radio, by visible, ultraviolet, infrared, etc.). Just send there and get some impressive data again. I believe that current technology would allow us build one of these ships. I have heard that a ship can get to Alpha Centauri in about 100 years. However, even in 20 years or so, we would be able to have some tremendously innovative images on the road. Should we build one of these ships? Could we make it go faster, so it might be possible do to Alpha Centauri in 25 years?

I think it would be a great idea. 1. Observing our system to the output. 2. Notice the Alpha Centauri system. Is it really trinary? How could it not result in fascinating images? 3. Observing the universe from a different place. Perhaps from a different point of view (parallax) that we will learn much more about the size, shape, distance and speed of objects in the universe. 4. I do not agree with the poster who said he would have to reduce speed. I do not see why we could not cruise through the system at full speed. 5. If better technology comes in the future, we may send it to a different system for even more fun.

FLIR Systems Thermal Imaging at CES 2009