Requirements for Interstellar Travel

R.P. Haviland (2007), JBIS, 60, 228-233

Refcode: 2007.60.228

Abstract:
The requirements for future inter-stellar travel, defined as trips of weeks to months rather than exploratory voyages of years to lifetimes, are set forth. For the major ones, power and propulsion, possible ways of meeting the requirement are tabulated, drawing on concepts from current knowledge, scientific and technical papers, and from the field of science-fiction relating to the requirement. Problems of structure, construction, life support, navigation, hazard avoidance and communications are covered in lesser detail. It is noted that professional work in the field is decreasing, so that meeting requirements may have to come from amateur effort.