by GB Weber
Voyage to the Stars
GB Weber
This narrative is part of the book
Fantastic Tales & SF Stories
For more information visit
gbweber.com.uy
© 2016 GB Weber All Rights Reserved
April 9, 2095
The Vostochny Cosmodrome, in the far eastern Siberian region of Amur, has become the global focus of attention. Its facilities are crowded with personalities of the Russian and international society. Intellectuals, journalists, scientists, politicians, and astronomers from around the globe have been invited to the event. The eyes of the world are on the orbital vehicle Yuri Gagarin that is being prepared for launch into space. The shuttle is commanded by the first couple of cosmonauts of the multinational program: The Global Kepler Project.
Looking through a tiny window of the ship, the scientist and astrophysicist Boris Karpatov watches for the last time the Earth's sky blue. He and his companion, the Belarusian astrobiologist Tanja Dyaglieva, had been preparing for this moment since childhood. Their parents were also cosmonauts of the Russian-Belarusian Union State space program who took part in several missions in the old International Space Station (ISS) and in the modern orbital lab Mir-4. Since they were kids, they had been cultivated in numerous scientific and technological fields. They met very young while being educated at the Cosmonautics Institute of Moscow, and before reaching eighteen years of age, both had acquired the fighter pilot badge.
Just before takeoff, Boris greets his traveling companion, winking at her through the visor of the helmet. A minute later, the Russian rocket with the two crew members and loaded with provisions, successfully lifts off from Vostochny heading to Earth's orbit.
Two days later, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, another ship prepares for departure at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It's the new astro-ferry Stellar that will transport the American astronauts John and Mary Arlen. Both engineers and astronomers, they were introduced while being trained as pilots of the United States Air Force. For this mission, they were skilled in different areas, being John an expert in robotics, drones, and space exploration probes, while Mary has specialized in the field of radio astronomy. The couple, as the rest of the astronauts of the program, was skilled in a wide range of scientific fields to perform their duty, achieve their goals, and transfer knowledge to the future first generation of human beings beyond Earth.
The vessel Stellar launches smoothly from Kennedy Space Center, and five hours later, it arises orbiting the planet, initiating the phase of approach and preparation for docking. In the assigned meeting point, located at 430 kilometers above the Atlantic Ocean, the Russian shuttle is seen docked to a giant starship.
This impressive spacecraft of 290 meters long and 79 meters in diameter, named Humanitas, was built over 25 years by the Kepler Program in Earth's orbit. It is part of the most ambitious space mission in history, after the first manned expedition to Mars in 2030. The project idea began to take shape after the success of the Interstellar Program, when the IP-2 probe achieved 62% of the speed of light. This was possible thanks to advances in the use of new antimatter propulsion system. The progress accomplished over the last 50 years in the development of these engines proved to be very efficient, surpassing those constructed at the beginning of the XXI century using ionic propulsion. The serious issues faced by scientists regarding antimatter had to do with the fact that it could not be produced effectively, or in sufficient quantities, and could not be stored in containers made of ordinary matter. But with the new production methods of antimatter and its preservation in modern ion traps, it was possible to control the reaction of high-energy photons that produce gamma rays, when matter and antimatter come into contact. The Interstellar Probe-2 revealed the performance of this power in space travel, estimated to reach up to 47% of the speed of light in large ships.
There were heated discussions over the destination of the first manned mission outside our solar system. The prime selection was clearly the Alpha Centauri binary system, located 4.37 light years from the Earth. But after checking the data obtained by the Hubble-3 telescope, it was concluded that no habitable planet would be found orbiting the star Alpha Centauri B, in the constellation of Centaurus. Then it was decided the latter option: to reach the triple star system known as Gliese 667, in the constellation of Scorpius. Indeed, the target of the spacecraft Humanitas is the exoplanet Gliese 667 Cc, one of the three known worlds in the habitable zone orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 667 C. The astronomical body is 23.6 light years away from Earth. It was discovered in 2011, but it was not until the year 2036 that the presence of liquid water and oxygen in its atmosphere were confirmed. This gave rise to the Kepler Program, reviving plans for interplanetary travel beyond our solar system—like Orion and Daedalus Projects—in the midst of the twentieth century.
The new technologies in engine design had enabled the possibility of building large-scale ships, but the costs in trillions of US dollars had required the cooperation of multiple partners for the achievement of the enterprise. Therefore, it came to a participation agreement between the world's most important space agencies—NASA, ESA, ROSCOSMOS, JAXA of Japan, CSA of Canada, Chinese CNSA, ISRO of India, and Brazilian AEB—as well as the most powerful aerospace corporations—United Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and recently merged firms: Boeing General Dynamics from United States; Airbus, BAE Systems, and Arianespace from Europe; Russian Oboronprom and United Aircraft; and Chinese Aerospace—for the design, development, and construction of the Interstellar Space Ship (ISS) Humanitas.
In the modern facilities of the Wenchang Space Center, on the Chinese island of Hainan, a holographic image of a young woman dressed as stewardess, explains to the guests the details of the project. The visitors can connect their smart glasses and watch 3D pictures of the interior of the ship, plus landscape concepts of the new Earthling planet situated 23.6 light years away. Destination target could be reached in 53 years, estimated Earth time. If an exploration probe is sent to Gliese 667 Cc, the data transmitted back by the cosmic vehicle would take about 100 years to be received. That was the reason why the original idea of an unmanned mission was canceled, and it was decided to move the Program Kepler forward, making preparations for a trip with passengers on board.
Outside the complex of glass and steel, a large metal tower holding the Chinese shuttle Shenzhou 32, stands proudly in the launch pad. The spacecraft, driven by Long March 95C carrier rocket, is ready to send the two taikonauts Wang Dan and Cao Shunli into orbit. Both have completed a long training in space simulators and in reduced gravity aircrafts, where they learned to perform tasks in conditions of Zero-G. The Asian couple was united in marriage for this mission by order of the Communist Party of China—the last in power—"to bear the fruits of socialist freedom to the confines of the Universe."
Meanwhile, in Earth's orbit, the vessel Stellar is successfully docked at port number 2 of the Humanitas. A burst of joy resounds in the Space Control Center in Houston. The two American astronauts enter the airlock through the hatch of the docking port. After removing the helmet of their spacesuits, they access the reception module where they are coldly received by the Russian exploration team.
"Welcome aboard, citizens of the Cosmos," greets Boris Karpatov in perfect English to the newcomers, as the group of men and women shake hands and timidly pat their backs.
According to the statute of the Kepler Mission, from the moment they access the ship, the crew cease to be citizens of their respective countries. From now on, the voyagers will be considered human ambassadors of the Earth and future settlers of a world in a triple solar system, in the Carina-Cygnus spiral arm. All the members of the expedition carry on their chests a green and blue bad
ge with the Latin inscription "Humanitas", symbolizing our home planet and its inhabitants.
But recent events in the Bering Strait have caused an escalation of tensions between the two powers to levels not seen since 1962, which has generated a premature feeling of mistrust among members of the two nations. John Arlen clarifies the U.S. position:
"On behalf of my partner, myself, and my government, it's our hope that the current crisis would not affect the labor that we will carry out together. We'll try hard to make it possible."
"Your desire is also ours, and our people's," says Boris.
"So be it," says Mary Arlen.
"We must continue unloading equipment and supplies," comments Tanja Dyaglieva.
"Let's get to work, then!" cries John Arlen.
The Russians and Americans remove 500 kg of payload from the shuttle Gagarin, and after coordinating the maneuver—remotely controlled from the Russian Space Command—they observe through the hatch window the separation phase of the vehicle and the beginning of its return to Earth.
Then, the astronauts allocate the cargo to the places assigned in the Humanitas. To move inside the large vessel, the crew uses a magnetic system that adhere their shoes to the ship surface, thus achieving greater ease of movement. But these magnet boots just give an illusion of gravity. That is why the giant rocket has a section—the G1 module—which, by rotating on its axis at a certain speed, equalizes the gravitational pull of our planet. This component operates thanks to the amount of energy produced by the destruction of antimatter. The G1 compartments are assigned to the hospital, the vegetable garden, laboratories, the hibernation chamber, gym, the dining room, and lavatories. In addition, the spaceship has a small astronomical observatory and limited-size cubicles for the human couples aboard. All habitable modules are isolated from the effects of antimatter engines.
While offloading provisions and materials from Uncle Sam's ship, the astronauts wait for the members of the Chinese mission since they are next to arrive in the Shenzhou. Still, there are two passengers on ground: Colonel Ulrich Walter from Germany and Augusta Byron, Research Scientist from the Unified Ireland. Both wait in the spacecraft Ariane 15 for the final count down.
"...3...2...1" is heard through the earpiece. The galactic travelers inside the new European vehicle begin to climb at 400 meters per second over the skies of the Kourou Space Center, in the French Guiana.
April 12th
Kepler Mission - Day 0
The big journey has arrived. The long wait is over. On the day of the 134th anniversary of the first manned orbital flight, the whole crew is waiting in the cockpit of the ISS Humanitas. The Flight Commander and the Co-Pilot wait for instructions from the Unified Space Center in Houston. Their names are Shin and Eva. Both pilots were on the starcraft when the Russian cosmonauts arrived. The Senior Officers were created by Shin-Ichiro Nakaoka, Japanese scientist and artificial intelligence engineer. That's right, the ninth passenger is not human, but a multipurpose android whose task is to guide the titanic rocket 24 hours a day to their final destination in the Gliese 667 system. Eva, the other robot, in addition to her main duties, will conduct high precision surgical operations when required.
"Houston, this is the Interstellar Spaceship Humanitas," says the Commander. "All systems are operating and in position. We are ready to start the ignition sequence of the antimatter engines."
"Initiating countdown," orders the Mission Commander in Houston.
"…10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1… Ignition!"
The European night sky is suddenly illuminated with a powerful light of gamma rays. The 20,000-ton ship begins to move through the Newtonian ether, and during the first stage of the trip, it will cross our solar system at a relatively slow speed, before commencing the acceleration phase.
Kepler Mission - Day 1
In the early hours of the star trek, the crew members accommodate their belongings in the designated quarters and commence to prepare the facilities for the trip. At dinner time, the humans get together in section G1. The only officers who remain at their working stations are Shin and Eva. The group seems lively on the first day of the long journey.
"I'd like to choose a lake or a river to be named after me," says John.
"I would select our Mother Russia's name for an ocean," emphasizes Boris.
"You know that neither of the two things can be done," argues Cao, looking into their eyes. "The assigned names will be chosen by consent. Besides..."
"Don't fret Shunli," interrupts Ulrich. "They just want to make you angry because they have learned that the great China has sent the world's most severe and strict woman," the German says, smiling, while the others roar with laughter.
"Then, how are we going to call Gliese 667 Cc?" asks Tanja.
"As you well know," says Wang, "there are several possible names that have been mentioned, also through a global survey. One is Nova Terra.
"Not so original," Augusta interrupts.
"That is why I would prefer a Chinese name like Ludi, which means: 'land,'" emphasize Wang, while his partner gives a nod of approval.
"We have plenty of time to discuss this issue," says Ulrich, seriously. And to end the discussion, he adds: "now we must focus on our duties to be prepared to reach the planet."
The German Colonel is the Head of Mission aboard the Humanitas. He was assigned after long and unsuccessful debates between Russia and the United States. Both countries expected to lead the expedition, but the recent events made it impossible to achieve any consensus. And, since the Americans didn't want the Chinese to be in command, it was decided to appoint the European.
Meanwhile, from the cockpit, Shin requests the presence of the German. While the Flight Commander is subordinate to the Colonel regarding the last decision, everything about the flight of the spacecraft is subject to the orders of the humanoid, and that is why he can impart an order to his boss, if it's referred to navigation related issues. Ulrich Walter receives an alert on his smart lenses and proceeds to the flying control room. These transparent tools are essential for the astronauts. They are not only a device that allows vision improvement; it also transmits text, images, and video. These functions are controlled with the mind. Through the retina, the lens sends and receives information from the brain, via the optic nerve. The latest state-of-the-art technology has enabled to connect the crystals to the hair cells, which have the function of transforming electrochemical signals which are directed to the auditory receiving area of the brain cortex. This way, images and text can be transmitted through the glasses, as well as voices and sounds.
Walter enters the cockpit and is received by the Flight Commander.
"Colonel, I have called you because Humy wants to inform about the current status of the mission."
Humy is not another automaton, but a super computer that represents the central nervous system of the Humanitas, and permanently reports the situation of the spaceship. In addition, the computer is a huge database that will serve as a source of information for future generations.
"Kepler Mission Report, Day 1," Humy begins saying, with almost human voice. "Flight Data, Phase 1: All systems working properly; Launch speed: 13,411 km per second, equivalent to 4.47% of the speed of light. Estimated days to reach the orbit of Pluto: 5."
Kepler Mission - Day 5
Humy's voice echoes in all corners of the spacecraft. The flashing red dot that gives a warning notice, highlights in the astronauts' optical crystals. The group is required at once in the observatory. The huge cosmic vessel has slowed to 128 thousand kilometers per hour in its final journey through the solar system. Planned from the beginning based on complex schemes and mathematical calculations, the ISS Humanitas matches its course with the orbit of Pluto. The importance of this meeting point, at a distance of 25 thousand kilometers from its surface, it's due to the great interest scientists showed in this dwarf planet, smaller than the Moon, after the NASA confirmed the existence of microbial life in the liquid water ocean
beneath the frozen soil of the globe—as occurred in Europe, one of the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Many astronomers have wanted to redeem Pluto by trying to restore it to its privileged place among the planets of our system, but there has been no consensus to do so at the International Astronomical Union's General Assembly. Kepler Mission wanted to pay tribute to the 'God of the Underworld' and, therefore, has made a stop to gaze the last of the major celestial bodies in the solar system, before begin the long journey to the constellation of Scorpius.
The cosmonauts came to a small room about three meters wide and ten meters long. The site is occupied by a row of seats. The crew members get accommodated in their places. Almost simultaneously, a large blind rises, showing the wonderful panorama of Pluto and Charon visible through a large window of photosensitive liquid crystal. The team can also use their smart lenses to connect with the telescope on board—named Galileo—and capture high resolution images of the landscape.
"It's a cold and beautiful planet," says Mary, sited next to Tanja.
"That's right," says the Belarusian astrobiologist, "colder than Siberia, but just as beautiful as its steppes."
"It's incredible to know that it can support life within it," Mary continued saying.
"That's what excites me," remarks Tanja. "If in such an inhospitable place, where sunlight takes about 5 hours to reach the surface, life can be created and sustained, imagine how many species may exist in the new world."
In another seat there is a similar conversation going on.
"Look at the dimensions of Charon," says Augusta, "it's half the size of Pluto. Although it's a satellite, it looks more like a planet to me."
"The Members of the IAU are a bunch of bureaucrats," Boris says, visibly angry. "They never agree on anything. At the next meeting of the General Assembly, which will be held next year in Moscow, our group of astronomers will propose a definition for binary dwarf planets. Charon doesn't actually orbit around Pluto; rather, both rotate around a center of mass—that is, together form a double planetary system."