Interstellar Sessions at Princeton

by | Mar 6, 2006 | Research Tools

It’s a pleasure to report that the proceedings volume for last June’s New Trends in Astrodynamics conference in Princeton has been published. You can find the contents here. Three papers tackled issues with interstellar implications:

  • Gregory L. Matloff, Travis Taylor, Conley Powell, and Tryshanda Moton, “Phobos/Deimos Sample Return via Solar Sail” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 429-440. An examination of sail technologies for a practical mission within the Solar System.
  • Marc G. Millis, “Assessing Potential Propulsion Breakthroughs,” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 441-461. A summary of the methods, findings, and benefit predictions of breakthrough propulsion physics.
  • Paul A. Gilster, “The Interstellar Conundrum: A Survey of Concepts and Proposed Solutions,” Ann NY Acad Sci 2005 1065: 462-470. A look at the ingenious ways theorists have envisioned taking us to the stars with near-term technologies.

    • Cover for New Trends proceedingsThe Princeton event was a marvelous experience (my recollections are online), not just in the chance to talk to Ed Belbruno, whose work I have long admired, but also to have dinner with interstellar theorist Gregory Matloff and his wife, the artist C Bangs, as well as a long and enjoyable breakfast with the Matloffs and Claudio Maccone in Princeton’s Nassau Inn. Next August’s conference should feature a greatly expanded interstellar session, and I’ll have more details on participants as they become available.