Space traffic disrupting observing opportunities
As a student in Astrophysics I am thrilled by the idea about more people getting out and about in space in the next 50 years but also worried that beyond that, when the local neighbourhood of our little planet is perhaps a bit too crowded with traffic that our observing opportunities might be lessened by obstruction or interference from this traffic.
I think that space traffic will have to be managed somehow to avoid collisions and treacherous conditions (as in air traffic controlling). The only way I can currently think of managing traffic will involve transmission of some electromagnetic radiation from the spacecraft in order to detect their whereabouts (as in air traffic controlling where visible light and radio is used) and I am concerned that this will interfere with observations in whatever wavelength is being used. On the other hand if objects in space are emitting at this wavelength, it may also interfere with the traffic management.
I would love for other people to share their thoughts and ideas on this subject as I don't know, in fact, whether it is a cause for concern.
Phoebe
Hi!
I think your idea is good. I also agree that your point is what we should talk about early.
How about using soundwave? It must be slower than light, but it can be usuful. We do not use soundwave for sending informations and if we use high frequency wave, it can be recognized among another noises. What do you think about it?
Semina
Pre-designed signal sequences, with arbitrary complexity, can resolve the issue.
We can design out a sequence of signal, in forms of EM wave from a spacecraft. The signal/noise ration may be customized to avoid confusion with natural sources you mentioned.
Actually this is used in different signaling requirements. The sequence is called "sentence".
Sound waves won't work.
Lack of air ;-(
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Joined: 2008-06-05