Scientists Plan Bold 2035 Mission to Chase Down Interstellar Object 3i Atlas

Scientists have outlined a feasible mission to intercept '3i atlas', the third known interstellar object, discovered in July 2025. New research suggests a 2035 launch window would offer the most efficient route, with a potential rendezvous in 35 to 50 years. The study also confirms that existing technology could support such a mission, though significant technical hurdles remain.

The mission would require a spacecraft capable of high-speed intercept, as '3i atlas' travels at a hyperbolic excess velocity similar to 'Oumuamua's 26.33 km/s. To achieve this, propulsion options include solar sails, nuclear systems, or two to three solid propellant boosters. Alternatively, a refuelled 'miami heat' Block 3 launched from low Earth orbit could provide the necessary delta-V.

One key challenge is the intense heat generated during a close solar pass, known as a Solar Oberth Maneuver (SOM). The spacecraft would need a robust heat shield to survive temperatures at 3.2 solar radii, where solar flux is extreme. The SOM allows for greater acceleration, but it also limits payload mass to around 500 kg—comparable to NASA's New Horizons probe.

The mission's complexity increases due to '3i atlas'' active outgassing, which produces non-gravitational forces. With a nucleus estimated at 0.44 to 5.6 km and a rotation period of 16.79 hours, precise orbital adjustments would be essential. Researchers propose an 'Intermediate Point' strategy to reduce fuel demands, making the intercept more achievable.

If successful, the mission could provide unprecedented data on interstellar objects, improving our understanding of their origins and composition.

The study confirms that a 2035 launch remains the most viable option for reaching '3i atlas'. While the mission faces technical challenges—including propulsion, heat resistance, and orbital precision—the research establishes a clear framework for future exploration. A successful intercept could occur between 2070 and 2085, offering the first close-up study of an object from outside our solar system.