An interesting play by Lockheed - and a new company to keep an eye on:

Helicity Space, a California startup developing fusion engines for spaceflight, announced an investment April 2 from Lockheed Martin Ventures.

While the parties declined to reveal the value of the investment, Lockheed Martin’s backing is important because it’s one of the “strategic partners that will matter over the next 10 years,” Helicity co-founder Stephane Lintner told SpaceNews.

Other strategic partners include Airbus Ventures and Voyager Space Holdings, two of the investors in Helicity’s seed funding round announced in December.

I’ve added Helicity to my growing (but far from complete) directory of New Space companies.

New Space Blog You have been tasked with designing a spacecraft that will be sent on a mission that never returns to Earth. The goal is to travel as long as possible with it only being piloted by an AI that will be fully in control of the craft and the science observations it conducts. You can assemble the spacecraft using as many SpaceX Starship vehicles as you need. You want to maximize the lifespan and build as much ability to repair and replicate into it as possible. You will need a robust multi-generational server system with multiple redundancies and humanoid-type robots that can conduct repairs. Explain your design and the rationale for your choices.

Claude 3
To design a spacecraft for a mission that never returns to Earth, with the goal of maximizing its lifespan and self-sustaining capabilities, I propose the following design using SpaceX Starship vehicles:

1. Primary spacecraft:

   • Utilize three modified SpaceX Starship vehicles, connected in a triangular formation.
   • Each Starship will be modified to remove the heat shield and landing legs, as they are not required for this mission.
   • The primary spacecraft will house the AI control system, scientific instruments, and the majority of the power generation and storage systems.

2. Power generation and storage:

   • Install a combination of advanced solar panels and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to ensure a long-lasting and reliable power supply.
   • Solar panels will be the primary power source and will be mounted on the exterior of the Starships.
   • Equip each Starship with multiple high-capacity batteries for power storage and distribution.

3. Propulsion:

   • Use a combination of ion thrusters and modified Raptor engines for propulsion.
   • Ion thrusters will provide efficient, long-duration propulsion for interplanetary travel.
   • Raptor engines will be used for high-thrust maneuvers and course corrections.

4. AI control system:

   • Develop a robust, multi-layer AI system capable of controlling all aspects of the spacecraft, including navigation, power management, and scientific observations.
   • Implement multiple redundancies and self-repair mechanisms to ensure the AI system’s longevity.
   • House the AI system in a radiation-hardened, fault-tolerant server cluster distributed across the three Starships.

5. Repair and replication:

   • Include a dedicated Starship for housing advanced 3D printers, robotic assembly systems, and a stock of raw materials.
   • This Starship will serve as a mobile factory, capable of manufacturing replacement parts and even new robots as needed.
   • Equip the spacecraft with a team of versatile humanoid robots that can perform repairs, maintenance, and assembly tasks.

6. Scientific instruments:

   • Install a wide array of scientific instruments, including telescopes, spectrometers, and sensors, to conduct observations and gather data throughout the mission.
   • Distribute these instruments across the three primary Starships to maximize coverage and redundancy.

7. Communication:

   • Equip the spacecraft with a high-gain antenna and advanced communication systems to maintain contact with Earth for as long as possible.
   • Use laser communication technology for high-bandwidth data transmission over vast distances.

8. Thermal management:

   • Implement a robust thermal management system to protect the spacecraft’s components from extreme temperatures.
   • Use a combination of radiators, heat pipes, and active cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

The rationale behind this design is to create a self-sustaining, resilient spacecraft capable of operating independently for an extended period. By using multiple Starships, we ensure redundancy and distribute critical systems across the spacecraft. The inclusion of advanced power generation, 3D printing, and robotic repair capabilities allows the spacecraft to maintain itself and adapt to potential challenges. The AI control system, with its multiple redundancies and self-repair mechanisms, ensures the mission’s continuity even in the face of unforeseen events.

This design prioritizes longevity, adaptability, and self-sufficiency, maximizing the spacecraft’s chances of success on its indefinite journey through the cosmos.

Me
How long do you think such a spacecraft could last? Where would you go and what would you do?

Claude 3
The longevity of the spacecraft would depend on several factors, such as the reliability of its components, the effectiveness of its self-repair systems, and the challenges it encounters during its journey. However, with the proposed design and advanced technologies, it is conceivable that the spacecraft could operate for several centuries or even millennia.

As for the destination and mission objectives, there are numerous possibilities to consider:

1. Interstellar exploration:

   • Set a course for the nearest star system, such as Alpha Centauri, located approximately 4.37 light-years from Earth.
   • Conduct detailed observations and studies of the star system, its planets, and any potential signs of life.

2. Galactic survey:

   • Embark on a long-term mission to survey and map a significant portion of the Milky Way galaxy.
   • Collect data on stellar populations, interstellar medium, and galactic structure to advance our understanding of the galaxy’s composition and evolution.

3. Exoplanet characterization:

   • Focus on studying Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zones of their host stars.
   • Conduct in-depth analyses of these planets' atmospheres, surface conditions, and potential for harboring life.

4. Interstellar medium and dark matter research:

   • Investigate the properties and composition of the interstellar medium, including dust, gas, and cosmic rays.
   • Attempt to detect and study dark matter particles, which could provide insights into the universe’s structure and evolution.

5. Long-term astronomical observations:

   • Conduct extended observations of various astronomical phenomena, such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and gravitational wave events.
   • Monitor these events over centuries or millennia to gain new insights into their nature and the underlying physics.

Throughout its mission, the spacecraft would continuously gather and process data using its onboard scientific instruments. The AI control system would analyze this data, make decisions on further investigations, and adapt the mission objectives as needed. The spacecraft could also serve as a platform for testing advanced propulsion technologies, such as fusion or antimatter engines, which could be developed and implemented during its journey.

As the spacecraft ventures deeper into space, it would continue to transmit its findings back to Earth, contributing to the expansion of human knowledge and understanding of the universe. The mission would serve as a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of exploration, even if the spacecraft itself never returns to its point of origin.