Artwork of Daedalus starship

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Artwork of Daedalus starship

Starship Daedalus. Artists impression of Daedalus, a space vehicle designed in 1978 by the British Interplanetary Society to visit Barnards Star. The vehicle has a mass of 50, 000 tonnes and is powered by nuclear explosions. Frozen pellets of deuterium and helium are released into a combustion chamber 250 times per second. A laser ignites each fuel pellet to create a series of small fusion explosions. The plasma formed by these repeated explosions is released via the exhaust nozzle, providing thrust. With a 450- tonne payload, Daedalus would travel at 12% of lightspeed and take about 50 years to reach its objective some six light years from Earth

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6427401

© JULIAN BAUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Exploration Future Galaxy Manned Spaceflight Space Art Space Ship Daedalus Starship

EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork showcases the visionary design of the Daedalus starship, a remarkable space vehicle conceptualized by the British Interplanetary Society in 1978. The image transports us to a future where humanity's thirst for exploration knows no bounds. With its sleek and futuristic appearance, Daedalus stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond Earth. With a staggering mass of 50,000 tonnes, this mammoth spacecraft is propelled by an awe-inspiring propulsion system powered by nuclear explosions. Frozen pellets containing deuterium and helium are meticulously released into a combustion chamber at an astonishing rate of 250 times per second. Each fuel pellet is ignited by lasers, triggering small fusion explosions that generate plasma thrust through the exhaust nozzle. Daedalus's mission? To embark on an extraordinary journey towards Barnard's Star, located six light years away from our home planet. Carrying an impressive payload capacity of 450 tonnes, this interstellar vessel would cruise at approximately 12% of lightspeed—pushing the boundaries of what was once deemed impossible. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing depiction, we are reminded that humanity's insatiable curiosity will forever drive us to explore uncharted territories among the stars. This artwork serves as both inspiration and reminder that our potential for discovery knows no limits when fueled by imagination and scientific progress.

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