Space WiFi

WiFi connection could soon be possible in Alpha Centauri, our nearest star neighbour.

18:53 06 July 2017

A new technology envisioned by independent astrophysicist Michael Hippke could make WiFi connection possible in Alpha Centauri, allowing future interstellar space travelers to stream videos from our nearest star neighbour. Although nobody may benefit from the technology just yet, establishing deep space communication is crucial in the development of future probe designs.

 

The method that could make the technology a possibility will make use of a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, whereby the warped space around a massive object acts like a magnifying glass to strengthen a signal.

 

Hippke believes that placing a telescope that is about a meter across at a point about 90 billion kilometers from the sun could relay the signal with maximum efficiency.

 

“This is much easier than building the Hubble Space Telescope,” said Hippke.

 

Creating an instrument to deliver such as strong signal requires an area larger than New York City for Space WiFi.

 

One of the challenges with Hippke’s idea is the whole 90 billion kms from the sun part. Currently, the farthest that any spacecraft has ever traveled from Earth is 20.8 billion kms. It took 40 years to get Voyager 1 out that far. It helps that future Alpha Centauri tourists are over four light-years away giving scientists more time to develop the technology they need to have internet connection in space.