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by stephengillie 2787 days ago
If we send a Voyager-sized probe to Alpha/Beta Centauri, could we use a similar gravity assist to slingshot around one of the stars?

How good is our aim across 4.4 light years?

2 comments

Wouldn't we have a robot steer the light sail as it got closer?

Genuine question, this is well outside my wheelhouse.

I think that's the right answer, as it got closer the exact parameters for the slingshot could be refined with images of the system taken a few lightdays out with a strong camera. So we just need that robot really.
Judging from New Horizon's targeting capabilities and assuming the "discarded" light sail still has guidance then I'd conclude our aim could be amazingly good!