2019-06-01_All_About_Space

© Adrian Mann

The driving force

Using a light-sail mechanism – a

method of using starlight radiation for

propulsion – and an onboard electric

propulsion mechanism, the satellites

would take roughly 30 years to arrive

at their destination.

Staying in line
At such incredible distances the
satellites would have to rely on artificial
intelligence to keep flying within a
1.6-kilometre- (one-mile) wide line,
which is vital for exoplanet detection.

Sun

Einstein ring Focal line

Exo star

and planet

550 AU

Small sat clusters

Solar gravity lens