A paperclip-sized probe will research the edge of the black hole in the distant future.

A paperclip-sized probe will research the edge of the black hole in the distant future. 

"Illustration of a gram-scale nanocraft journeying towards a black hole." (Rude Baguette)

Researchers plan to create a paperclip-sized probe whose purpose is to transmit information from the edge of the black hole event horizon. That probe will be sent to the black hole's material disk. And there it can use quantum technology like hovering quantum or nanoparticles to capture and send information from that area. The material disk will pump energy to those particles, and the observer can follow those oscillations from outside the material disk. 

One of the most fascinating versions of the data transmission from that ultimate high-energy area is to use superpositioned and entangled particle pairs. The material disk will pump energy to particle that is in it. And then another particle will receive information that the first particle sends. That probe will act basically without electronics. The system must only put a particle pair. Where another particle is in the lower energy level. To the superposition and entanglement. When the probe closes the black hole, its material disk will raise the particles' energy level in the probe, called Cosimo Bambi can transfer data to the receiver. 

The Cosimo Bambi can make this journey to 20-25 light-years away from Earth. But the problem is this. There are no known black holes in that distance. The mission will be completed in about 70 years. But that requires. There is a black hole in that distance. The closest known black hole is 1560 light-years from Earth. And that means the mission is doomed to fail if there is no black hole closer to Earth. 

The probe could use quantum technology and high-power lasers to travel near black holes. But there is one problem: the distance to the closest known black hole is enormous. There is possiblity that there is a black hole just 20-25. light-years away from the Earth. But there should be a confirmed black hole in that distance that the probe can reach it. 

The problem is always similar. The key problem is how to take this probe close enough to the black hole. The closest known black hole is about 1560 light-years away from Earth. That means the journey to that black hole takes a very long time. But the black hole probe gives interesting ideas for the futuristic quantum computers. 

Maybe this is possible in the future...

This keeps the transmitting side in quantum entanglement on a higher energy level than the receiving particle. These kinds of systems can also be used to create new types of quantum computers. The idea is that the transmitting sides of the quantum entanglements are at extremely high temperatures. And the receiving particle's energy level is as low as possible. If the system can use a black hole for that purpose, the quantum computer can put an artificial, or small primordial black hole, into the ball-sized chamber. Then the data will be driven to transmitter particles that are in the capsules. 

Then the quantum computer will send those capsules to the black hole. And the plasma around it keeps the transmitter-side particles in a higher energy level than the receiving particles. Maybe. This kind of system can operate using the regular, high-energy plasma. The idea is that the data will transfer to the transmitting particles that are in the capsule. The capsule that can be some kind of fullerene will act like a yoyo. 

The system will send it to the plasma. When plasma or some kind of EM field is around the capsule. And its energy level rises all the time. That helps to keep the transmitter side temperature in the quantum entanglement at a higher level. The temperature in the receiving particles can be as low as possible. That maximizes the time that the system can sustain quantum entanglement. 

https://www.rudebaguette.com/en/2025/08/one-gram-probe-to-black-hole-in-70-years-physicist-unveils-laser-driven-mission-to-test-einsteins-theory-in-deep-space/#google_vignette

https://scitechdaily.com/paperclip-sized-probe-could-take-us-to-the-edge-of-a-black-holes-event-horizon/

The NASA atmospheric Probe made a game-changing test flight.

"An atmospheric probe model attached upside down to a quad rotor remotely piloted aircraft ascends with the Moon visible on October 22, 2024. The quad rotor aircraft released the probe above Rogers Dry Lake, a flight area adjacent NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The probe was designed and built at the center. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman" (ScitechDaily, NASA’s Atmospheric Probe Soars in Game-Changing Test Flight)

The atmospheric probe is a small drone that dropped from the quadcopter. But it's possible that quite soon we can see far bigger models of those systems. There are both. Civil and military operators who want to get new types of drones that can carry far heavier cargo. The idea is that drone takes those crafts to 10,000 meters where they can start their engines. Those systems can give the ability for ballistic jumps for those small spacecraft. 

There is one way to turn every single aircraft in the world into a silent VTOL system. The system requires only helicopters or quadcopters that raise it up from the ground and then fly it away from the city area. Electric engine quadcopters are tools that can operate underwater or at high altitudes or even underwater missions. 

"Justin Link, left, small unmanned aircraft systems pilot; John Bodylski, atmospheric probe principal investigator; and Justin Hall, chief pilot of small unmanned aircraft systems, discuss details of the atmospheric probe flight plan on October 22, 2024. A quad rotor remotely piloted aircraft released the probe above Rogers Dry Lake, a flight area adjacent NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The probe was designed and built at the center. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman" (ScitechDaily, NASA’s Atmospheric Probe Soars in Game-Changing Test Flight)

The nuclear-powered drones can be the size of a ship. That makes them interesting tools for other planet missions and airborne systems that should collect samples from the air or carry medical or other special teams over operational areas. 

The same system can travel underwater and rise to airborne. Theoretically, a quadcopter's size has no limits. Otherwise, drone swarms can operate as one copter. That means. Also, small drones can carry very large objects. Operators can connect drones into one entirety. And when their mission is done those quadcopters can dissolve. 

The large quadcopters can operate both civil and military launches. The thing is that the quadcopter can also carry things like cruise and why not ballistic missiles to operational areas. Or they can launch those weapons high above the ground. That means the control crew is hard to detect. The quadcopter can carry HiMARS, SLAM (Stand-off Land Attack Missile), or any other missile to the launch position and launch them. 

Above: Dream Chaser: 

The other planet missions. 

Quadcopters can also operate on other planets. And Titan moon's atmosphere and hydrocarbon oceans. The quadcopter can raise the rocket to a high atmosphere. And then it can fly to space. And that kind of system is a very interesting tool. Also for Venus missions. 

NASA's atmospheric drone is the answer to the question. How to make things like a small rocket launch silent. The solution can be a drone that pulls a rocket up from the ground. And that drone will take the spacecraft to the altitude. The atmospheric drone can carry things like Pegasus Dream Chaser and X-37B to the high atmosphere. Then, those systems can launch the vehicle. 

Venus's mission could involve drones that separate carbon from carbon dioxide. Then that futuristic jet engine system can burn that carbon back to carbon dioxide, just like the Lippisch P.13 concept. The idea is that the ramjet just separates carbon from carbon dioxide from Venus's atmosphere and then reconnects those atoms. 

The atmospheric drone can also operate at the other planet's atmosphere if the system is well-protected against heat. That system can raise rockets high above Venus's clouds. It can also transport Venus's surface samples to the craft that is waiting to return to Earth. 

The system can involve fast jet drones that can separate carbon and oxygen from Venus's atmosphere. Then those jet-engine drones will just burn that carbon back to carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. Those drones can research large areas of that planet. 

https://scitechdaily.com/nasas-atmospheric-probe-soars-in-game-changing-test-flight/

https://terapiayrehabilitacionfisica.com/Datos/2023/12/27/sierra-space-s-dream-chaser-spaceplane-revolutionizing-iss-resupply-for-nasa/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lippisch_P.13a

The new thermal system can turn waste heat into electricity.

"A recent study shows tungsten disilicide’s potential in efficient heat-to-electricity conversion, promising advances in thermoelectric technology. Credit: SciTechDaily.com"  (ScitechDaily, Clean Energy Breakthrough Turns Waste Heat Into Usable Electricity)

"Researchers have demonstrated a new method for converting heat to electricity using tungsten disilicide, showing potential for more efficient thermoelectric devices that could revolutionize energy efficiency in various applications." (ScitechDaily, Clean Energy Breakthrough Turns Waste Heat Into Usable Electricity)

"Thermoelectric materials, which convert heat into electricity, play a crucial role in capturing waste heat and transforming it into usable power. These materials are particularly beneficial in industries and vehicles where engines produce significant waste heat, enhancing energy efficiency by generating additional electricity. They also hold promise for portable power applications, such as remote sensors and satellites, where traditional power sources may not be feasible." (ScitechDaily, Clean Energy Breakthrough Turns Waste Heat Into Usable Electricity)

The ability to turn waste heat into electricity increases the efficiency of power plants. Those things can also increase the efficiency of solar panels because they can collect heat from their black shells and then turn it into electricity. This kind of system can decrease the need for fuel in power stations. But this kind of system does not create electricity from the emptiness. 

"This paper is the first direct demonstration of the transverse thermoelectric generation in WSi2, and the results could pave the way for more efficient thermoelectric devices. Credit: Ryuji Okazaki from Tokyo University of Science, Japan"(ScitechDaily, Clean Energy Breakthrough Turns Waste Heat Into Usable Electricity)

They turn IR- or thermal energy into electricity. And that makes them a good system to collect electricity from places like fusion platforms. That thing makes it possible to create systems that are making fusion systems like Tokamaks more efficient. When the thermoelectric elements turn IR radiation into electricity they take heat energy out from the shell. And maybe those systems can make it possible to create a fusion reactor that uses less energy than it delivers. 

The problem with traditional heat control systems is that they bind thermal energy into a medium like water. But the problem is where that water flow conducts energy. The heat exchangers are effective tools if there is a lake or river where that system can dump energy. The possibility to transform thermal energy into electricity makes it possible to create a system that transports thermal energy out from the system using radio waves or laser beams.

Those systems can revolutionize aviation and space technology. It can transport thermal energy out from the small size nuclear reactors in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The system can transport thermal energy out from high-temperature layers like from rocket engines. The system can also used to decrease temperatures from the shells of hypersonic aircraft and conduct electricity to plasma jet engines. 

The heat is the problem with hypersonic flight. But what if the system can turn heat into electricity and transport that electricity out from the shell? 

The system can used in new ways to decrease the temperature of the machines and make high-temperature systems more energy efficient. The blast furnaces can take thermal energy into use. Those systems can be used to collect energy from the small probes that can dive deep into the solar atmosphere. The solar panels would be effective. And they are in use at Parker Probe. 

But the ability to turn thermal energy into electricity allows to creation of probes that can go closer than Parker. The solar panels or their wires can melt even if they are in the vacuum thermos layer. The ability to close the probe into the thermal protecting layers makes it possible to transport the probe closer to the sun than ever. 

But the system that turns thermal energy into electricity without in-between. The new thermoelectric system can make new possibilities. For example the hypersonic flight. The ability to take thermal energy out from the shell by turning it into electricity makes it possible to create systems that cool the layers in fast-moving aircraft. 

The system can transport electricity to the engines where the electric system can increase the power of the engine. The idea is that electric arcs can raise the temperature of burning fuel. But. the system can also feed energy to things like plasma jet engines. That can make the aircraft more effective than ever before.

https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/aeronautics/eap/

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/new-electric-jet-engine-actually-works-inside-the-atmosphere

https://www.iter.org

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/

https://scitechdaily.com/clean-energy-breakthrough-turns-waste-heat-into-usable-electricity/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokamak

The ESA:s EnVision will be the next Venus mission.

Image 1)EnVision aerobraking in Venus atmosphere. Credit: ESA/ Paris Observatory / VR2Planets / Damia Bouic (ScitechDAily.com/EnVision Mission: Readying Spacecraft To Surf Venus’ Hot, Thick Atmosphere)

The EnVision program by the ESA (European Space Agency) is the project to map Venus and research its surface using radars. The special thing about this mission is that the van-size space probe would lay very low altitude and surf in Venus' thick atmosphere for a couple of years.

The EnVision would use to test things like aerobrake. The aerobrake is the method where the friction of the atmosphere is used to slow the craft's speed. That thing will save lots of fuel. And surfing in that planet's atmosphere makes it possible to take samples from the high atmosphere. 

Image 2:) "Artist impression of ESA’s EnVision mission". Credit: ESA/VR2Planets/Damia Bouic (ScitechDaily.com/EnVision Mission: Readying Spacecraft To Surf Venus’ Hot, Thick Atmosphere

And the craft can also map surfaces and chemical compounds of the atmosphere and the planet's high mountain areas by using lasers and radars. The EnVision opens the road to a long-wing sailplane or airship that can fly in Venus's atmosphere. And maybe in the future, that kind of laboratory will fly in the atmosphere of Venus and gas giants. 

So EnVision is a very interesting project. Maybe this project answers the question. Are there some very primitive microbes hovering in the clouds of that planet? There is the possibility that there are some primitive microbes that can use the temperature of Venus' atmosphere as an energy source. 

Images and other sources: https://scitechdaily.com/envision-mission-readying-spacecraft-to-surf-venus-hot-thick-atmosphere/

Would interstellar travel remain at the theoretical level?

Would interstellar travel remain at the theoretical level?

Of course, we can make an interstellar probe, what can travel to stars, and if we would have time to wait let's say about 30 000 years, that kind of one way journey to Alpha Centauri would be done. The thing is that even the best engines like antimatter- and WARP-drive may not have enough punch to make the rocket fly even to the nearest star in the human lifetime. When we are thinking about the WARP, we don't know what kind of thrust this kind of engine can give for spacecraft.

And in the most common visions, the spacecraft would be accelerated near the speed of light by using another type of engines like antimatter, and then the final push would be given by WARP or photon rocket. But when we are thinking about the possibility to send the spacecraft to other planets or other solar systems, that would need extreme sacrifices from the crew. And the planets Mars and Venus are the only planet, what is near enough, that the crew can visit those places, and then the craft would return to Earth.

There is also a possibility to send a crew to another planet or solar system by using the artificial black hole, what is created inside the ball-shaped spacecraft by bombing it with radio waves. But then we must realize, that there is a possibility, that we would miscalculate the oscillation of the other black hole, or at the end of the wormhole, the craft would not able to create the wormhole, and the return would be impossible. 

One of the most interesting ideas is to make that journey in virtual mode. In this scenario, to another solar system would send the unmanned probe, what would travel to its target even thousands of years. And when the probe would land to some hypothetical planet, and then it will use laser scanners and other sensors to make the virtual reality 3D model of the landscape.

After that, the system would send this model to the Earth, and researchers can form the conditions on that planet by using virtual reality tools. This means to travel without craft. This kind of models of the long term space flight doesn't need human sacrifices, and those persons, who would work with this kind of projects can sleep at their homes, and wait for the signal. 

Of course, that signal can come centuries or millenniums later, and the problem is that, what if we would forget that probe? The journey to the stars like Sirius would take hundreds of years, and during that, the probe would operate with minimum power, because of even the largest nuclear reactors has limited fuel resources.

And if we would send that kind of probe in real mission, we must cheese the star, where the researchers could be sure, that there would be planets where to land. The flight time of the probe would very long,  and it would act like a normal space probe, but the control of the system is under the highly sophisticated artificial intelligence.

And when those probes would travel that 8,58 light-years journey in 214 years, if the probe uses engines, what makes it fly 0,04 percent of the speed of light. So this kind of trip would be possible, and when probe arrives at Sirius system, it would search the planet. After that, the probe would land to that planet and start to send data to Earth.