Italian scientists from Bari Polytechnic University developed two new Sedna research methods – a mysterious dwarf planet far beyond Pluto. The study was published on the portal of scientific materials that were not protected by ARXIV.
Sedna has made a complete revolution around the sun for 11 thousand years. In 2075-2076, the body in the sky will reach the closest point to the sun, which will provide a rare opportunity to study this world.
The team proposed sending a ship with a direct heat drive (PTP) to the planet, using energy to create traction and energy supply. According to calculations, this method will achieve Sedna for 10 years, including 1.5 years of positive acceleration.
The second option is an advanced sun's sail with thermal absorption technology. Unlike classic solar sails, this system uses surface heating to create additional traction. Combined with attractive control around Jupiter, such a device can come to Sedna in just seven years. However, unlike PTP, the sun can only fly without going into orbit.
Both technologies face serious technical challenges. The thermonuclear engine is still theoretical development that requires breakthroughs in a controlled synthesis. The sun sail with the heat prize is closer to the implementation, but its success depends on the accuracy of the calculation and new materials.
If the mission does not start in the next decades, the next opportunity to study Sedna for nearly thousands of years will appear. Scientists hope that humanity will be able to take this opportunity to reveal secrets about the formation of the solar system and the nature of the distant world.