Researchers from the University of Strasbourg have counted how many people are needed for a successful flight to the exoplanet Centaurus b closest to Earth, b, the path to which will be 6.3 thousand years. As it turned out, the crew needs a relatively small one for such a trip.
The planet Centaurus b revolves around the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, this is the closest star to our planet after the Sun. Researchers believe that the climate on an exoplanet can be similar to the terrestrial.
Calculate the ideal number of people for a flight to Centaurus b was obtained using a special Monte Carlo simulation method. It takes into account all the random events of the journey: sudden deaths, infertility, accidents and others.
According to scientists, the starting crew should consist of young and childless couples, as it will be easier for them to adapt to the new environment. They should give birth to children at the age of 32 to 40 years.
For a successful flight of 6.3 thousand years, 98 people must be placed on the ship. Researchers note that for a successful flight it will be necessary to limit fertility to avoid overpopulation and lack of resources.
