Can the von Neumann Probe Theoretically Reach Another Galaxy?

The nearest galactic neighbor to Earth is a dwarf galaxy about 25,000 light-years away. However, the Andromeda galaxy, often cited as our nearest neighbor, is an impressive 2.5 million light-years distant. This vast space distance raises the question: can a von Neumann probe, a theoretical self-replicating robotic explorer, reach another galaxy?

Designing and Creating Your von Neumann Probe

A von Neumann probe is a self-repairing, self-replicating robot designed to explore exoplanetary systems and report back to its base. It ingeniously uses uninhabited, low-gravity asteroids within these systems to replicate itself and continue its journey. The probe is programmed to avoid damaging any habitable planets, meticulously observing them before moving on. Moreover, it sends out copies of itself to nearby stars in an attempt to expand its exploration efforts.

The central challenge with this concept lies in the speed of light. Due to the immense distance between galaxies and the limitations of light speed, there would be significant delays in receiving any information from these probes. The time it would take for information to travel back to Earth would be astronomical, preventing any quick and efficient communication between probe and base.

Theoretical Possibilities

While the idea of a von Neumann probe reaching another galaxy may seem improbable due to the velocity constraints of light, it pales in comparison to other dazzlingly impossible scenarios. For example, could you theoretically drive a Saturn to Saturn? Assuming it were possible to build a road that would allow such a journey, the choice of an old car seems rather nonsensical. The basic premise of the von Neumann probe mimics a kind of brute force ant bridge, where the first probe reaches a new star system and, if it finds no intelligent life, disassembles asteroids and small moons to construct millions more probes. These new probes are then sent into the void, hoping to reach other star systems and continue the exploration.

By sending enough of these probes out and waiting for an extremely long time, it is conceivable that they could explore our galaxy. However, due to the limitations of sub-light velocities, the only way these probes could be so far out is if they had the ability to evolve, leading them to develop new physics. As they journey to the point where intergalactic travel becomes feasible, the universe appears fundamentally different, rendering the original programming paradigms obsolete.

If these probes still resemble the original concept after reaching other galaxies, it would be akin to us sending a Saturn at a safe speed through space highways towards Saturn, driven by eccentric and bizarre motivations.