The Tree of Life project aims to connect space and trees
Recommended for Middle Grades
As humanity travels farther out into space, scientists are working on new technology to help spacecraft stay connected with Earth.
A new project called The Tree of Life aims to do just that. Its aim is to connect Earth and outer space through a song. This song will be sent via radio waves between an orbiting spacecraft and live trees! Moreover, this project aims to bring a long-lasting song that will last for two centuries (200 years).
While NASA is not officially part of it, many of its scientists are. They are working with an organisation called the Space Song Foundation on this project. This organisation aims to design sustainable technology that supports long-range space missions.
The Tree of Life project
Although we don’t realise it, trees can “sing”. They send out signals which change depending on the environment, climate and temperature. Scientists will attach digital sensors which will pick up the signals. Then, they will design computer programmes to translate these signals into data and beam them to spacecraft. This will give spacecraft information about Earth. In turn, the spacecraft will beam back data about itself.
The Tree of Life is part of another programme to design a potential future spacecraft to reach an exoplanet called Proxima Centauri B.
What is Proxima Centauri B?
Proxima Centauri B is an exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, which is the closest star to the Sun. Proxima B is 4.2 light-years away from us and could potentially have life.
Travelling there with our current technology would take about 6,300 years. Hence, we need to design technology that will last. Moreover, trees will be around even when we are no longer there.
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