Page:Project Longshot - Advanced Design Program Project Report.pdf/21

20 probe into an elliptical orbit around Beta Centauri and to maintain this orbit. Once in orbit, high data rate collection and transfer will begin based on both a preprogrammed series of studies and a set of prioritized experiments (determined by what is found in the system). This will continue until the spacecraft's nuclear plant ceases to produce enough power to operate the communications lasers, which will constitute the end of the mission.