A team of researchers has proposed a new “direct fusion drive” propulsion system that could enable humanity to reach the distant dwarf planet Sedna by the mid-2030s. The discovery of Sedna in 2003 revealed its highly elongated orbit, making it a prime target for studying the hypothetical Oort cloud surrounding our Solar System.
Sedna’s orbit takes approximately 11,000 years to complete, with its closest approach to the Sun happening every 70,000 years. The dwarf planet is currently around 76 AU from the Sun and will make its next closest approach in July 2076. To study Sedna, scientists have been exploring innovative propulsion systems, including a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) and solar sail.
The team’s study suggests that a DFD-powered spacecraft could reach Sedna within 10 years, cutting travel time by 50% compared to traditional propulsion systems. However, using a constant thrust profile would increase the need for propellant, reducing payload capacity. In contrast, a solar sail mission with Jupiter’s gravity assist could complete the journey in 7 years.
The study proposes two main options: DFD-driven missions or solar sail-powered missions. While DFDs offer faster travel times, they require more propellant and can only carry larger payloads. Solar sails, on the other hand, provide a long-duration thrust option but have limited payload capacity.
Mission proposals for reaching Sedna are underway, with fingers crossed that one gets approved soon. This would be a once-in-11,000-year opportunity to visit an object from the distant Oort cloud and expand our knowledge of the Solar System.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/direct-fusion-drive-could-take-us-to-sedna-during-its-closest-approach-in-11000-years-79809