Nuclear propulsion, solar sails could help reach Sedna in 7 years

Scientists from Italy have proposed two experimental spacecraft propulsion concepts—a nuclear fusion rocket and a solar sail—to reach the distant dwarf planet Sedna in as little as seven years. Sedna, discovered in 2003 and named after an Inuit goddess, orbits the Sun once every 10,000 years and will be at its closest approach (perihelion) of about 7 billion miles in 2076. This rare opportunity could enable a mission to study Sedna, which remains largely mysterious and holds clues about the early solar system. The proposed propulsion methods could reduce travel time by over 50% compared to traditional spacecraft, potentially enabling a mission duration between seven and ten years. The first concept, the Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) rocket engine under development at Princeton University, would generate thrust and electrical power from controlled nuclear fusion, offering continuous acceleration and a high thrust-to-weight ratio. However, challenges such as plasma stability and heat dissipation remain. The second concept involves a solar sail that harness