Experimental Propulsion Tech Could Reach Mysterious Planet Beyond Pluto in 10 Years

https://gizmodo.com/experimental-propulsion-tech-could-reach-mysterious-planet-beyond-pluto-in-10-years [login to see] ?utm_source=gizmodo_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025-07-01-pm
On November 14, 2003, astronomers spotted what was at the time the most distant known object orbiting the Sun. They called it Sedna after the Inuit goddess of the ocean. It’s a cold, reddish dwarf planet that drifts billions of miles away from the Sun during its 10,000-year orbit before coming in for a relatively close approach to our star. Its next perihelion is happening in July 2076, and astronomers want to take advantage of this rare encounter by flying a mission to the mysterious object. A team of researchers from Italy suggests mission concepts that could reach Sedna in seven to 10 years using cutting-edge technology. In a paper available on the pre-print website arXiv, they illustrate two experimental propulsion concepts that involve a nuclear fusion rocket engine and a new take on solar sailing technology. The propulsion technologies could cut down travel time to Sedna by more than 50% compared to traditional methods of space travel, allowing scientists a unique opportunity to gather clues about the early formation of the solar system and probe the theoretical Oort Cloud.





MAJ Hugh Blanchard Bethina Lee SFC Jo Ann KlawitterSPC Terry Page LCDR Thomas Norton CWO3 Dennis M. Sgt (Join to see) SGM Major Stroupe SFC Eddy Meador CPT Kevin McComas SPC Paul C. MSgt Gloria Vance SPC Jeff Daley, PhD SSgt David M. LTC Stephen Conway SGT Aaron AtwoodSPC Jeff Daley, PhD] Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth Amn Dale Preisach CDR Andrew McMenamin, PhD