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Chapter 16: Problem 53

In the movie Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the starship Enterprise flies on a trajectory that passes close to the Sun's surface. What features should a real spaceship have to survive such a flight? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A spaceship flying close to the Sun's surface must have a superior thermal protection system to withstand extreme heat, a high-speed propulsion system to resist the Sun's strong gravitational pull, as well as a state-of-the-art navigation system. Additionally, it should have radiation shielding to protect the electronic systems and astronauts, and use a self-sustaining power source such as solar energy due to the close proximity to the Sun.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Sun's Conditions

The Sun has extreme conditions characterized by high temperature and strong gravitational pull. The solar temperature can go up to \(5,505 ^\circ C\) near its surface. Also, the gravity on the Sun is about 27.9 g. A spaceship near the Sun would need to endure both.
02

Shielding from High Temperature

To grapple with phenomenally high temperatures near the Sun's surface, the spaceship must have superior thermal protection. This includes a heat shield made of resilient materials that can withstand and dissipate extreme heat without compromising the entire spacecraft's structure.
03

Withstanding High Gravitational Pull

Due to the Sun's strong gravitational pull, the spaceship needs to maintain a high speed, ensuring it won't fall into the Sun. Also, it requires an impeccable navigation system to precisely calculate and control its trajectory.
04

Radiation Shielding

The Sun emits an enormous amount of harmful radiation. Thus, the spacecraft should possess radiation shielding to protect its electronic systems and potential astronauts.
05

Power Source

Given the extensive distance from Earth, the spacecraft would need a durable and self-sustaining power source. Solar energy would be an indispensable choice due to the proximity to the Sun.

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