Near-term self-replicating probes - A concept design

摘要

Self-replicating probes are spacecraft with the capacity to create copies of themselves. Self-replication would potentially allow for an exponential increase in the number of probes and thereby drastically improve the efficiency of space exploration. Despite this potential, an integrated assessment of self-replicating space probes has not been presented since the 1980s, and it is still unclear how far they are feasible. In this paper, we propose a concept for a partially self-replicating probe for space exploration based on current and near-term technologies, with a focus on small spacecraft. The purpose is to chart a path towards self-replication with near-term benefits, rather than attempting full self-replication. For this reason, components such as microchips and other microelectronic components are brought with the initial probe and are not replicated. We estimate that such a probe would be capable of replicating 70% of its mass. To further increase this percentage, we identify technology gaps which may be usefully addressed. We conclude that small-scale, partially self-replicating probes are feasible nearterm. Their benefits would become significant in exploration missions requiring in the order of a dozen of probes.