The Use Of Currently Unknown Near-Solar Stellar Objects In Facilitating Interstellar Missions

R. Zubrin. (1995), JBIS, 48, pp.467-474

Refcode: 1995.48.467

Abstract:

Discussion of the possibility of interstellar travel generally begins with the premise that the nearest objects of stellar mass to our solar system are Proxima Centauri and the nearby double star Alpha Cenlauri, roughly 4.25 and 4.3 light years away. Examination then shifts to the capabilities of present or future propulsion systems and it is quickly shown that unless rocket exhaust velocities on the order of 2% of the speed of light (600, 000s Isp) are achieved or exceeded, interstellar voyages on times scales of less than several centuries are impossible. While advanced forms of fusion or anti-matter rocketry may ultimately be able to produce such a performance, no system possible within the foreseeable future can do so.