Philip Lubin
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View article: The Local Galactic Transient Survey Applied to an Optical Search for Directed Intelligence
The Local Galactic Transient Survey Applied to an Optical Search for Directed Intelligence Open
We discuss our transient search for directed energy systems in local galaxies, with calculations indicating the ability of modest searches to detect optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence sources in the closest galaxies. Our anal…
View article: The Local Galactic Transient Survey Applied to an Optical Search for Directed Intelligence
The Local Galactic Transient Survey Applied to an Optical Search for Directed Intelligence Open
We discuss our transient search for directed energy systems in local galaxies, with calculations indicating the ability of modest searches to detect optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) sources in the closest galaxies. O…
View article: TRIPP: A General Purpose Data Pipeline for Astronomical Image Processing
TRIPP: A General Purpose Data Pipeline for Astronomical Image Processing Open
We present the TRansient Image Processing Pipeline (TRIPP), a transient and variable source detection pipeline that employs both difference imaging and light curve analysis techniques for astronomical data. Additionally, we demonstrate TRI…
View article: Optical and acoustic ground effects simulations from terminal defense asteroid disruption via the PI method
Optical and acoustic ground effects simulations from terminal defense asteroid disruption via the PI method Open
Our simulations suggest that PI ("Pulverize It"), a NASA Phase II NIAC study, is an effective multi-modal approach for planetary defense that can operate in extremely short interdiction modes (with intercepts as short as hours prior to atm…
View article: Asteroid 2023 NT1: A Cautionary Tale
Asteroid 2023 NT1: A Cautionary Tale Open
We investigate various short-warning mitigation scenarios via fragmentation for a hypothetical impact of asteroid 2023 NT1, a Near-Earth Object (NEO) that was discovered on July 15, 2023, two days after its closest approach to Earth on Jul…
View article: Asteroid interception and disruption for terminal planetary defense
Asteroid interception and disruption for terminal planetary defense Open
We present a practical and effective method of planetary defense that allows for extremely short mitigation time scales if required as well as long time scale mitigation. This one system allows for virtually any required defense mode. In g…
View article: Swarm of lightsail nanosatellites for Solar System exploration
Swarm of lightsail nanosatellites for Solar System exploration Open
This paper presents a study for the realization of a space mission which employs nanosatellites driven by an external laser source impinging on an optimized lightsail, as a valuable technology to launch swarms of spacecrafts into the Solar…
View article: Optimal mass and speed for interstellar flyby with directed-energy propulsion
Optimal mass and speed for interstellar flyby with directed-energy propulsion Open
The design of mission scenarios for the flyby investigation of nearby star systems by probes launched using directed energy is addressed. Multiple probes are launched with a fixed launch infrastructure, and download of scientific data occu…
View article: Radiation Effects from the Interstellar Medium and Cosmic Ray Particle Impacts on Relativistic Spacecraft
Radiation Effects from the Interstellar Medium and Cosmic Ray Particle Impacts on Relativistic Spacecraft Open
Relativistic spacecraft, like those proposed by the NASA Starlight program and the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, will have to survive radiation production that is unique when compared to that experienced by conventional spacecraft. In …
View article: Don't Forget To Look Up
Don't Forget To Look Up Open
We discuss a hypothetical existential threat from a 10 km diameter bolide discovered 6 months prior to impact with one case being a comet and the other being an asteroid. We show that an extension of our work on bolide fragmentation using …
View article: Radiation Effects from ISM and Cosmic Ray Particle Impacts on Relativistic Spacecraft
Radiation Effects from ISM and Cosmic Ray Particle Impacts on Relativistic Spacecraft Open
Relativistic spacecraft, like those proposed by the NASA Starlight program and the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, will have to survive radiation production that is unique when compared to that experienced by conventional spacecraft. In …
View article: The Economics of Interstellar Flight
The Economics of Interstellar Flight Open
Large scale directed energy offers the possibility of radical transformation in a variety of areas, including the ability to achieve relativistic flight that will enable the first interstellar missions, as well as rapid interplanetary tran…
View article: PI -- Multimodal Planetary Defense
PI -- Multimodal Planetary Defense Open
We present a practical and effective method of planetary defense that allows for extremely short mitigation time scales if required as well as long time scale mitigation. This one system allows for virtually any required defense mode. In g…
View article: PI -- Terminal Planetary Defense.
PI -- Terminal Planetary Defense. Open
We present a practical and effective method of planetary defense that allows for extremely short mitigation time scales. The method involves an array of small hypervelocity non-nuclear kinetic penetrators that pulverize and disassemble an …
View article: Dependence of the damage in optical metal/dielectric coatings on the energy of ions in irradiation experiments for space qualification
Dependence of the damage in optical metal/dielectric coatings on the energy of ions in irradiation experiments for space qualification Open
Terrestrial accelerator facilities can generate ion beams which enable the testing of the resistance of materials and thin film coatings to be used in the space environment. In this work, a $$\hbox {TiO}_2$$ /Al bi-layer coating has be…
View article: Damage to Relativistic Interstellar Spacecraft by ISM Impact Gas Accumulation
Damage to Relativistic Interstellar Spacecraft by ISM Impact Gas Accumulation Open
As part of the NASA Starlight collaboration, we look at the implications of impacts with the interstellar medium (ISM) on a directed energy-driven relativistic spacecraft. The spacecraft experiences a stream of MeV/nucleon impacts along th…
View article: Model Optimization for Deep Space Exploration via Simulators and Deep Learning
Model Optimization for Deep Space Exploration via Simulators and Deep Learning Open
Machine learning, and eventually true artificial intelligence techniques, are extremely important advancements in astrophysics and astronomy. We explore the application of deep learning using neural networks in order to automate the detect…
View article: Advances in deep space exploration via simulators & deep learning
Advances in deep space exploration via simulators & deep learning Open
The StarLight program conceptualizes fast interstellar travel via small wafer\nsatellites (wafersats) that are propelled by directed energy. This process is\nwildly different from traditional space travel and trades large and slow\nspacecr…
View article: Technological Challenges in Low-mass Interstellar Probe Communication
Technological Challenges in Low-mass Interstellar Probe Communication Open
Building on a preliminary paper design of a downlink from a swarm of low-mass interstellar probes for returning scientific data from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri, the most critical technology issues are summarized, and their significan…
View article: Opportunities for Astrophysical Science from the Inner and Outer Solar System
Opportunities for Astrophysical Science from the Inner and Outer Solar System Open
Astrophysical measurements away from the 1 AU orbit of Earth can enable several astrophysical science cases that are challenging or impossible to perform from Earthbound platforms, including: building a detailed understanding of the extrag…
View article: Opportunities for Astrophysical Science from the Inner and Outer Solar System
Opportunities for Astrophysical Science from the Inner and Outer Solar System Open
Astrophysical measurements away from the 1 AU orbit of Earth can enable several astrophysical science cases that are challenging or impossible to perform from Earthbound platforms, including: building a detailed understanding of the extrag…
View article: Relativistic Spacecraft Propelled by Directed Energy
Relativistic Spacecraft Propelled by Directed Energy Open
Achieving relativistic flight to enable extrasolar exploration is one of the dreams of humanity and the long-term goal of our NASA Starlight program. We derive a relativistic solution for the motion of a spacecraft propelled by radiation p…
View article: Long-period comet impact risk mitigation with Earth-based laser arrays
Long-period comet impact risk mitigation with Earth-based laser arrays Open
Long-period comets (LPCs) frequently transit the inner solar system, and like near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), pose a continued risk of impact with Earth. Unlike NEAs, LPCs follow nearly parabolic trajectories and approach from the distant out…
View article: Molecular Composition Analysis of Distant Targets
Molecular Composition Analysis of Distant Targets Open
This document is the Final Report for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Grant 15-NIAC16A-0145, titled Molecular Composition Analysis of Distant Targets. The research was focused on developing a system concept for probing the…
View article: A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight
A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight Open
In the nearly 60 years of spaceflight we have accomplished wonderful feats of exploration that have shown the incredible spirit of the human drive to explore and understand our universe. Yet in those 60 years we have barely left our solar …