What is a Von Neumann Probe?
A von Neumann probe is a hypothetical spacefaring probe designed to self-replicate using raw materials found in any star system. The probe is named after John von Neumann, a mathematician who made many important contributions to science. One of his contributions was the first rigorous study of self-replicating machines. Though von Neumann himself never discussed the idea of using self-replicating machines to explore space, shortly after his death in 1957 the concept began to enter science fiction and futurism. Packed with advanced artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, a fleet of von Neumann probes could conceivably help colonize the entire galaxy or even universe. They could carry human zygotes, or the information required to create them, to populate new-found worlds without the hassle of human interstellar spaceflight. A von Neumann probe could even contain emulations of human beings, assisting with decision-making and data analysis. If the speed of a von Neumann probe and its a
