Tag: Spacecraft Propulsion
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After the Rocket: How Electric Propulsion Moves Satellites
A successful rocket launch is followed by satellite separation. At this point, many people assume the mission is essentially complete: the rocket has delivered the satellite into space, and the satellite only needs to power on and begin operations. However, for many low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation missions, the orbit delivered by the rocket is…
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Fermi Explorer Seeks to Launch an Interstellar Probe Toward Alpha Centauri in 2029 on a $15 Million Budget
A Private-Sector Bid to Begin Humanity’s First Interstellar Journey A newly announced private initiative called Fermi Explorer aims to launch a small spacecraft toward the Alpha Centauri star system as early as 2029, pursuing what its organizers describe as a practical and affordable first step into interstellar exploration. Unlike high-profile concepts that rely on breakthrough…