Chapter 13, Problem 1RQ

To determine

Describe the journey of Pioneer 10 and illustrate the challenges of interstellar travel.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The Pioneer 10 craft was designed for its journey to the Jupiter only. The challenges faced in the interstellar travels are the long distance to be covered and the amount of energy required to make a craft to cover such a long distance.

Explanation of Solution

The Pioneer 10 was targeted to be launched to the planet Jupiter. The craft reached its first target in a time period of 21 months. If it is considered that the Pioneer 10 continues to move at this speed then it would require almost $115,000$ years. The trajectory of the Pioneer 10 was also aimed in such a way that it only goes towards the Jupiter. It will not come closer to the any start by more than 3.3 light years in next million years also.

There are several challenges faced in the interstellar travels because of the distance that needs to be covered and also the amount of energy required for this travel. The crafts designed on earth take around $100,000$ years for interstellar travel. This would consume the energy almost more than the total energy of the world.

The interstellar travel also requires the space craft to be kept safe from the space debris which are found frequently in the far space regions. Therefore, these are the several challenges faced by the scientists in the interstellar travel.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Pioneer 10 craft was designed for its journey to the Jupiter only. The challenges faced in the interstellar travels are the long distance to be covered and the amount of energy required to make a craft to cover such a long distance.