A Billionaire's Plan to Reach Another Star Fell Apart
9 hours ago
- #breakthrough-starshot
- #space-exploration
- #interstellar-travel
- Yuri Milner announced Breakthrough Starshot in 2016, aiming to send tiny probes to Alpha Centauri using high-powered lasers.
- The project pledged $100 million for proof of concept and involved notable figures like Stephen Hawking and Mae Jemison.
- Breakthrough Starshot faced significant technical challenges, including laser propulsion, lightsail design, and interstellar communication.
- Despite initial excitement, the project slowed due to funding shortfalls and lack of progress, with only a fraction of the promised $100 million spent.
- Scientists made progress in areas like laser arrays and lightsail materials but realized the mission's feasibility was decades away.
- The project's future is uncertain, with no recent funding or announcements, leaving its legacy as a catalyst for interstellar research interest.