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To: Physicist; A.J.Armitage; RadioAstronomer; longshadow
Question:
And why can't they make ship supporting numerous generations on the way over?

Because they don't know how to power such an object for that long, can't guarantee a minimum reliability over that long a haul, and can't afford to build it in the first place.

Building cost is certainly a problem, but not power. The ship would be coasting most of the way. I think the real reason is that after a generation or two, the bathrooms get really yukky, and everyone would prefer to die rather than use them.

102 posted on 12/18/2002 3:09:58 AM PST by PatrickHenry
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To: PatrickHenry
The ship would be coasting most of the way.

You still need enough energy to keep a large ecosystem going for thousands of years (at least), with no solar power available. Then remember you have to schlep that power source and fuel with you.

105 posted on 12/18/2002 3:57:52 AM PST by Physicist
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