Acceleration of matter to light speed would require infinite energy. Acceleration of information to that speed would apparently require pastward time travel. Hyperspace and time travel occur in other Anderson works but not here.
An urgent interplanetary mission reaches Mars in ten days or Pluto in a year and a half. Otherwise, robots take their time. At those higher speeds, the shortest interstellar journey would take thirteen thousand years. There is a central intelligence on Earth with equals and subordinates throughout the Solar System. It designs an interstellar craft. Magnetohydrodynamic force fields, not material shielding, are necessary to protect electronic and photonic systems and metal surfaces from radiation generated by impacts with the interstellar medium. The force fields are incompatible with organic life which would, in any case, require elaborate support systems.
When the craft reaches Alpha Centauri, it transmits data to the Terrestrial central intelligence.
1 comment:
Hi, Paul!
Yes, in most of his later works, we see Poul Anderson speculating about mankind reaching or not reaching the stars using STL means (the HARVEST OF STARS books, STARFARERS, and GENESIS). I reluctantly admit that, at present, STL is more likely than FTL. With Anderson examining the more pessimistic possibilities in GENESIS. But we do see PA taking another look at FTL in "Pele" and FOR LOVE AND GLORY.
And I certainly hope any technical problems making it difficult for humans to reach other planets in person either in the Solar System or other stars are overcome!
Sean
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