Project Icarus (interstellar)

Project Icarus was a theoretical interstellar starship design study conducted between 2009 and 2014 by the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) and the Tau Zero Foundation. It served as a follow-up to the earlier Project Daedalus, exploring a more contemporary design concept for a fusion-powered interstellar probe.

The primary goal of Project Icarus was to design a credible, albeit theoretical, unmanned probe capable of travelling to a nearby star system within a human lifetime. Unlike Project Daedalus, which relied on a Deuterium-Helium-3 fusion reaction, Icarus explored a wider range of fusion fuels and engine designs, including more advanced inertial confinement fusion concepts.

Key aspects of the Icarus study included:

• Fusion Propulsion: Research focused on alternative fusion fuels and propulsion systems beyond the Daedalus engine. This encompassed investigations into electrostatic confinement, advanced target designs, and different ignition methods.
• Target Star Systems: Several nearby star systems were considered as potential targets for the probe, with particular attention given to systems with potentially habitable planets.
• Spacecraft Design: The project entailed detailed design considerations for the spacecraft itself, including its structure, power systems, communication systems, scientific payload, and shielding.
• Trajectory and Navigation: Icarus explored various trajectory options to minimize travel time and fuel consumption, as well as navigation strategies for long-duration interstellar voyages.
• Technological Feasibility: A crucial aspect of the project was to assess the technological challenges involved in building such a spacecraft, identifying areas requiring significant advancement or breakthroughs.

Project Icarus concluded with the publication of a final report and various papers detailing the study's findings. While it remains a theoretical design, it served to advance understanding of the challenges and possibilities of interstellar travel, inspiring further research and development in related fields. The project highlighted the significant advancements needed in fusion energy, materials science, and spacecraft engineering to make interstellar travel a reality.