The study compares a nuclear fusion rocket engine and an advanced solar sail for a mission to Sedna.
The Direct Fusion Drive could insert a payload into Sedna orbit in about 10 years with 1.5 years of thrusting.
A solar sail, using Jupiter gravity assist and thermal desorption, could complete a flyby of Sedna in about 7 years.
Both concepts are assessed for payload capacity, power availability, and communication constraints.
A launch soon is recommended to coincide with Sedna’s perihelion in 2075–2076.
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