Interstellar Travel Research Articles

Roadmap to interstellar travel

Interstellar travel represents a long -term goal that has the potential to transform human history by opening up unlimited territories and opportunities for our society. While we are not yet close to achieving this capability, a long -range perspective on history suggests that future advancements in technology and society will lead us toward this ambitious objective. Interstellar travel is not merely about developing faster propulsion systems that enable access to other planetary systems within acceptable timeframes; it signifies a profound paradigm shift for humanity. This shift would involve leaving our solar system and establishing hundreds of civilizations beyond the Sun. Humanity would spread across various star systems, creating new societies with unique technologies, values, and destinies. This vision of unlimited expansion is unprecedented in our history. In this paper, we will explore the steps necessary to reach this goal, as well as the hurdles and milestones that lie ahead over the coming centuries. The conquest of space will require a series of gradual advancements, encompassing a wide array of technologies and challenges we currently face, including social, environmental, and future issues. For instance, healthcare and governance will likely foster breakthroughs that exceed our expectations for technical advancements. Furthermore, robotics and artificial intelligence will play crucial roles in this new era. A symbiotic relationship between biological humans and advanced AI will be essential for survival in a world where machines possess capabilities surpassing those of humans. Only through collaboration can we navigate the complexities of an evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence.

Spacecraft design for interstellar travel

This paper endeavours to introduce and elucidate potential mechanisms aimed at the development of a spacecraft that is not only sustainable but also optimized for interstellar travel to the Andromeda galaxy, with the primary objective of scouting for potentially habitable exoplanets suitable for human colonization. The conceptual framework encompasses a comprehensive analysis of various critical components essential for the functionality and longevity of the spacecraft, including but not limited to propulsion systems, attitude control mechanisms, and advanced navigation systems. In addition, habitable areas which are also called Goldilocks zones refer to the areas around stars where planetary conditions are conducive to foster lives. As the existence of liquid water is known as the fundamental prerequisite for supporting life, the basic criteria for a habitable planet is temperature appropriate for water sustaining. The final analysis shows that space immigration is a determined consequence of human being and people should take effective measures to investigate future possible ways of immigrating to another planet.

Constraints on Interstellar Sovereignty

Human space exploration and settlement of other planets is becoming increasingly technologically feasible, while mission concepts for remote and crewed missions to nearby star systems continue to be developed. But the long-term success of space settlement also requires extensions and advances in models of governance. This paper provides a synthesis of the physical factors that will constrain the application of sovereignty in space as well as legal precedent on Earth that likely applies to any crewed or uncrewed missions to other stellar systems. The Outer Space Treaty limits the territorial expansion of states into space, but the requirements for oversight of nongovernmental agencies and retention of property ownership enable the extension of state jurisdiction into space. Pragmatic constraints from historical precedent on Earth suggest that new space treaties will be unlikely to succeed and new global space agencies may have limited jurisdiction over states, while hard constraints of the space environment require adherence to technical capabilities, political feasibility, and long-term sustainability. These factors form a three-prong test for assessing the viability of interstellar governance models. This discussion of interstellar governance is intended to further the conversation about sovereignty in space prior to the first intentional launch of any interstellar spacecraft. Keywords: Space Settlement, Space Colonization, Interstellar Travel, Governance, Outer Space Treaty

The Spider Stellar Engine: a Fully Steerable Extraterrestrial Design?

A long-lived civilization will inevitably have to migrate towards a nearby star as its home star runs out of nuclear fuel. One way to achieve such a migration is by transforming its star into a stellar engine, and to control its motion in the galaxy. We first provide a brief overview of stellar engines and conclude that looking for technosignatures of stellar engines has taken two roads: on the observational side, hypervelocity stars have been the target of such searches, but without good candidates. On the theoretical side, stellar engine concepts have been proposed but are poorly linked to observable technosignatures. Since about half the stars in our galaxy are in binary systems where life might develop too, we introduce a model of a binary stellar engine. We propose mechanisms for acceleration, deceleration, steering in the orbital plane and outside of the orbital plane. We apply the model to candidate systems, spider pulsars, which are binary stars composed of one millisecond pulsar and a very low-mass companion star that is heavily irradiated by the pulsar wind. We discuss potential signatures of acceleration, deceleration, steering, as well as maneuvers such as gravitational assists or captures. Keywords: Pulsars: Spiders, Technosignatures, Stellar engine, Interstellar travel

Aerographite: a Candidate Material for Interstellar Photon Sailing

Aerographite has been suggested in a recent paper as a possible candidate for interstellar photon sailing. This paper begins by presenting known properties of this extremely low density, light absorptive, material. After a review of analytical tools, a number of possible interstellar missions are then considered. The first confirms that a thin-film Sun-accelerated probe deployed at the 0.4-AU perihelion of an initially parabolic solar orbit could reach Proxima/Alpha Centauri after a voyage duration of about two centuries. The next case examined is a thin-film probe accelerated to about 0.033 c by an in-space laser array. Finally, it is shown that a combined aerographite-graphene hollow-body solar-photon sail may have significant advantages in accelerating a generation ship to an interstellar cruise velocity in excess of 900 km/s. Some of the unknowns regarding this substance that must be addressed before this material can be applied to interstellar sail application, including the closest feasible perihelion distance and aerographite performance in the space environment, are also discussed. Keywords: Aerographite, Graphene, Photon Sailing, Interstellar Travel

Behind the Scenes: How Logistics Shape Space Fantasy Science Fiction Narratives

This research note explores how logistics, though often overlooked, is a central element in space fantasy science fiction narratives. In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the spice—essential for interstellar travel—demonstrates how logistics influences space geopolitics. Star Wars highlights the logistical challenges involved in managing an intergalactic empire, from constructing the Death Stars to coordinating rebel fleets. In Star Trek, space exploration depends on intricate logistics to sustain ships, space stations, and diplomatic relations. Finally, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation illustrates how the collapse of logistics can lead to the downfall of an intergalactic empire. These films and novels reveal that logistics extends beyond mere materials and operations management; it becomes a key question of survival, power, and stability within these fictional universes. Science fiction narratives not only offer insights into future logistics but also prompts reflection on contemporary challenges in supply chain and infrastructure management.

Review of Solar Sail Propulsion Mechanisms and Missions for Space Travel

Since solar sailing employs the speed of sunlight to drive spacecraft, it is an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional propulsion technologies. The physics of photon compression, the significance of novel materials and systems that enhance sailing performance, and the appropriate testing of solar sailing systems are all covered in this research paper. The main solar sailing projects— LightSail, NEA Scout, and IKAROS—are examined in this paper, and their merits, demerits, and contributions to the field are discussed. Potential solar sailing technology for extended space travel are also covered, along with space sustainability. Consider how crucial it is for space exploration in the future. The goal of this research is to demonstrate the transformative potential of navigation and to spark further developments in the exciting field of space aerospace engineering by effectively integrating mission data and current research in the ever-changing landscape of space exploration. Since solar sailing employs the speed of sunlight to drive spacecraft, it is a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional propulsion technologies. The physics of photon compression, the significance of novel materials and systems that enhance sailing performance, and the appropriate testing of solar sailing systems are all covered in this research paper. The main solar sailing projects—LightSail, NEA Scout, and IKAROS—are examined in this paper, and their merits, demerits, and contributions to the field are discussed. Potential solar sailing technology for extended space travel are also covered, along with space sustainability. Pay attention to how crucial it is for future space exploration. Through the efficient integration of mission data and current research, this project seeks to address the dynamic landscape of space exploration in the industry and encourage future advancements in the exciting field of space aeronautical engineering. Additionally, it aims to illustrate how navigation can have a transforming effect. Keywords: Space Exploration, Propulsion Technology, Interstellar Travel, Spacecraft Navigation, Attitude control, Trajectory optimization, Material Durability, Deep Space Missions, Interplanetary Travel, Solar Radiation Effect, Photon Pressure, Solar sail Deployment, Orbital Mechanics, Continues Thrust.

Faster-than-Light Travel from Dark Energy Inflation

The mass-energy content of the present-day universe is dominated by an exotic component known as dark energy. In its earliest stages, a similar dominant component drove the exponential growth of cosmological inflation. This note explores how a sufficiently advanced civilisation might manipulate dark energy for faster-that-light travel. An exact solution of the Einstein gravitational field equations that experiences highly anisotropic inflation serves as a toy model to illustrate the principles. A sample calculation exhibits highly superluminal motion while imposing negligible stress on a spacecraft hull. Keywords: Faster-than-light Spaceflight, Relativistic Interstellar Spaceflight

World-Building and the New Astronomy in Seventeenth-Century Prose Fictions of Cosmic Voyage, by Evelyn Koch

World-Building and the New Astronomy in Seventeenth-Century Prose Fictions of Cosmic Voyage, by Evelyn Koch

Internal Nuclear Propulsion System for Future Space Applications

Internal nuclear pulse propulsion (INPP) represents a novel approach to space propulsion, where controlled nuclear detonations occur within the spacecraft itself, offering potential advantages in safety and propulsion control compared to conventional external detonation designs like Project Orion. INPP relies on the same fundamental principles of nuclear pulse propulsion, utilizing the momentum generated by nuclear explosions to propel the spacecraft forward. Proposed INPP designs involve strategically placing small nuclear devices within the spacecraft's structure, detonating them in sequence to produce controlled impulses for propulsion. However, significant engineering challenges, such as radiation shielding, precise detonation control, and safety considerations, must be addressed to realize the full potential of INPP. Despite these hurdles, ongoing research and development efforts aim to harness the transformative capabilities of INPP, promising to revolutionize space exploration by enabling efficient and rapid interstellar travel while ensuring the safety of spacecraft and crew.

Artificial Broadcasts as Galactic Populations. I. A Point Process Formalism for Extraterrestrial Intelligences and Their Broadcasts

Artificial broadcasts from extraterrestrial intelligences are a hypothetical class of celestial phenomena. Unlike known astrophysical objects, the societies that generate them may be able to replicate on galactic scales through interstellar travel. Different galaxies could thus have drastically different populations, with variations in abundance of many orders of magnitude. I present a probabilistic formalism to treat this shared history, in which societies and their broadcasts are described by distributions over basic properties like lifespan and energy released. The framework contains a hierarchy of objects related by a tree structure. Discrete societies, the sources of broadcasts, are organized into potentially interstellar metasocieties. The population of each type of object is represented by a random point process in an abstract parameter hyperspace, a haystack. When a selection like an observation draws a sample, the point process is thinned. Given assumptions of interchangeability and independence, observables are modeled with compound Poisson random variables. I present an example of how selection bias can favor sampling longer-lived objects. I rederive the Drake equation for societies in the limit of no expansion. When interstellar replication is present, however, the mean number of detected broadcasts can depend quadratically on stellar mass, suggesting a search strategy favoring large galaxies.

Optimal strategies for the exploration of near-by stars

In the past decade, the discovery of exoplanets has sparked new interests in the idea of interstellar travel and exploration. Despite various proposals for probe concepts and relevant technologies, there is a lack of extensive literature on viable exploration strategies for journeys beyond a single star system. Such exploration strategies might not only have implications on technology development strategies for achieving interstellar exploration but could also enrich existing models for galactic exploration feeding into solutions of the Fermi Paradox. This article presents optimal strategies for the exploration of a large number of near-by stars, using a dedicated, novel methodology, which sets it apart from existing literature: For the first time, the mission design problem of interstellar exploration is redefined as a bi-objective multi-vehicle open routing problem with profits. It is tackled by an adapted hybrid multi-objective genetic algorithm, which is further improved and modified according to the problem characteristics (e.g. large search space). The overall mission model assumes probes traveling on straight trajectories, utilizing flybys, and maintaining an average velocity of 10% of the speed of light. Surpassing prior research that typically relies on statistical models or restricted star data, the star models are founded on the second Gaia data release (Gaia DR2), which represents the most extensive star catalogue to the date of this study and is employed for the first time in the context of interstellar exploration. The resulting star model contains a maximum of 10,000 stars within a spherical region around Sol, covering a distance of 110 light years.It is found, that the number of explored stars J1 scales with mission duration J2 and probe number m according to J1∼J2m0.66, which provides an initial guidance for future interstellar mission design. Furthermore, the routes and selection of stars vary depending on the number of probes used: When conducting missions with a large number of probes, stars in close proximity to the Solar System are given more focus. On the other hand, missions with a small number of probes include more distant stars to facilitate shorter transfers along the route. Based on these findings, the following recommendations for interstellar exploration strategies can be drawn: When energy resources such as fuel reserves are scarce and the exploration mission is not limited to nearby stars, low probe numbers are more efficient. In contrast, high probe numbers enable faster exploration of nearby stars but involve less resource-efficient transfers, making them a suitable option for small, remotely propelled probe concepts. To address crowding effects in high probe number missions, swarm-based probe concepts are recommended based on the scaling law characteristics derived.

Application of Metamaterial in Renewable Energy: A Review

Metamaterial advancements hold promise for compact renewable energy harvesting, capturing acoustic, electromagnetic, mechanical, and solar energy on a modest scale across global industries. Engineered structures surpass natural material limitations, offering capabilities unattainable in traditional counterparts. This investigation explores metamaterials' manipulation of acoustic, electromagnetic, mechanical, and solar energy. Mechanical metamaterials convert strain into electrical energy, applicable from interstellar travel to terrestrial infrastructure. Precision-configured acoustic metamaterials efficiently harness dispersed acoustic energy, improving renewable energy methodologies. Integration into photovoltaic cells showcases metamaterials' solar potential, with innovative designs enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency. Electromagnetic metamaterials efficiently absorb and convert frequencies into usable energy from communications and monitoring systems, in the agricultural and environmental sectors. Comparative analyses highlight noteworthy efficiency advancements, underscoring metamaterials' transformative influence on renewable energy. As they redefine the sector, implications extend to both small-scale devices and large-scale applications, positioning them as pivotal contributors. The paper critically evaluates metamaterial effectiveness in harnessing diverse energy sources, guiding future research. Metamaterial adaptability to different sizes and integration into technology reveals possibilities for compact energy sources. Ongoing research addresses scientific and economic challenges, paving the way for scaling metamaterial applications to commercial operations and emphasizing their importance in incorporating renewable energy into our technological milieu.

Manipulating the McGinty Equation to Create Stable Micro-Wormholes

Fractal wormholes represent a novel theoretical concept at the intersection of classical physics and quantum mechanics. This article introduces the ΨFractal equation, a theoretical construct that seeks to describe these hypothetical entities. The equation integrates fundamental constants with parameters like mass, charge, and fractal dimension, suggesting intriguing properties and interactions with the cosmos. The McGinty equation, Ψ(x,t) = ΨQFT(x,t) + ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s), can be used to help explain the fractal structure of space-time. The ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s) term in the equation represents the fractal properties of space-time, where D represents the fractal dimension, m represents the mass of the system, q represents the charge, and s represents the spin. By manipulating the values of these variables, scientists can create a stable micro-wormhole in a controlled environment. The fractal dimension D, for example, can be used to control the size and stability of the wormhole. A higher fractal dimension value would result in a larger and more stable wormhole, while a lower value would result in a smaller and less stable wormhole. The mass of the system, represented by the variable m, can also play a role in the stability of the wormhole. A higher mass would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower mass would result in a less stable wormhole. The charge and spin of the system, represented by the variables q and s, respectively, can also have an effect on the stability of the wormhole. A higher charge would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower charge would result in a less stable wormhole. Similarly, a higher spin would result in a more stable wormhole, while a lower spin would result in a less stable wormhole. By manipulating the values of these variables, scientists can create a stable micro-wormhole in a controlled environment. This leads to advancements in fractal engine technology which in turn leads to the development of practical applications for faster-than-light travel, such as faster communication and interstellar exploration. For example, if we consider the equation for a fractal wormhole, ΨFractal(x,t,D,m,q,s) = [(G * m^2 * D) / (h * q * s)] * e^-(D * m * x^2) Where G is the gravitational constant, h is the Planck constant, and x is distance. By manipulating the value of D, m, q and s, scientists can control the size and stability of the wormhole, which in turn can be used for faster than light communication and interstellar travel.

Analysis of Fix Price Travel Tran sport Based on Vehicle Operational Costs

Transportation become an important role in a variety of human needs that are quite diverse, such as economic needs, education, health, and others. This study calculated the Operating Costs of Travel Vehicles on the Palangka Raya - Tamiang Layang City route, using the 2002 Directorate General of Land Transportation method. The method is in the form of an interview survey, analyzing Vehicle Operating Cost data from travel transport service providers with the Palangka Raya- Tamiang Layang City route, namely CV. Putra Borneo Travel, CV. New Star Travel, and CV. Trans Kalimantan Travel. This study aims to determine the Operating Cost of Travel Vehicles on the Palangka Raya - Tamiang Layang route to find out how much the basic rate set is financially feasible for service providers. The findings from the value analysis of the Operating Cost of Travel Vehicles on the Palangka Raya- Tamiang Layang route reveal that CV. Putra Borneo Travel incurred IDR 4,934.61, CV. Trans Kalimantan Travel incurred IDR 4,253.21, and CV. Bintang Baru Travel incurred IDR 4,733.95. The basic passenger rate set is financially feasible for service providers by, CV. Putra Borneo Travel at IDR 295,056/pnp, CV. Trans Kalimantan Travel at IDR 254,324/ pnp, CV. Bintang Baru Travel at IDR 283,071/ pnp. The rates issued by the three travel transportation service providers are IDR 230,000/ pnp.

The Temporal Contact Equation: An Estimate for the Time of First Contact with ETI

First contact between humanity and ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (ETI) has been a subject for interesting debate particularly over the last century. It is now possible to estimate the likely time-scales for when this may occur due to the significant development of two separate disciplines of knowledge; interstellar propulsion theory and the discovery of exoplanets. This paper demonstrates such a calculation with the aim of provoking discussion and preparations where appropriate. It is estimated on the speculative assumption that if intelligent (advanced technological) life existing within ~200 light years (ly) of Sol first contact may occur as early as in the next ~1-2 centuries depending on the velocity maturation level and technological growth model assumptions. This calculation has been made purely on the basis of our arrival out there and does not take into account the possibility of them arriving here which may be much earlier or could have occurred already. Keywords: Interstellar studies, Exoplanets, SETI

Revolutionizing Interstellar Travel: Investigating Hydrogen and Oxygen Plasma as Cutting-Edge Rocket Propellants for Highly Efficient Thrusters

This research paper delves into the exploration of hydrogen and oxygen in a plasma state as potential fuels for rocket propulsion, aiming to enhance the efficiency and power of space travel thrusters. The study investigates the characteristics of plasma fuel, its combustion properties, and the feasibility of its implementation for interstellar travel.

Application of Private International Law in Space Travel at a Distance of Light Years Using Future Technologies

In particular, the article hints at the possibility of conflicts between states due to competition for resources in space, as well as the lack of full regulation of legal aspects in interstellar space. Particular attention is paid to the development of international treaties and mechanisms aimed at resolving these issues and ensuring peace and cooperation in outer space. Such documents can become the basis for creating a single legal space in outer space, where the rights and obligations of all entities will be clearly defined. The article concludes by emphasizing that the development of future space technologies requires a global approach to legal regulation to ensure security and stability in space, as well as the use of these new opportunities for the common benefit of all mankind. The article examines the topical issue of application of private international law to space travel over distances of light years using advanced technologies of the future. Travelling in space over such a vast distance is becoming increasingly realistic due to the development of astronomical research and technological progress. Legal aspects are an important aspect of such travel, as space activities raise numerous legal issues. Private international law defines the legal status of persons and objects in space representing different states. The application of this law requires resolving issues of jurisdiction, ownership, liability, and conflict resolution between different states and space actors. Future technologies, such as high-speed interstellar transportation and expanded habitat modules in space stations, introduce new challenges to the regulation of these issues. The article raises a lot of questions to which answers will still be found, and this process is a process that belongs to the future. At this stage, it is not known who else in the world would raise similar issues in the context of private international law, public international law, and international law in general.

Microalgae: towards human health from urban areas to space missions.

Space exploration and interstellar migration are important strategies for long-term human survival. However, extreme environmental conditions, such as space radiation and microgravity, can cause adverse effects, including DNA damage, cerebrovascular disease, osteoporosis, and muscle atrophy, which would require prophylactic and remedial treatment en route. Production of oral drugs in situ is therefore critical for interstellar travel and can be achieved through industrial production utilizing microalgae, which offers high production efficiency, edibility, resource minimization, adaptability, stress tolerance, and genetic manipulation ease. Synthetic biological techniques using microalgae as a chassis offer several advantages in producing natural products, including availability of biosynthetic precursors, potential for synthesizing natural metabolites, superior quality and efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainable development. This article explores the advantages of bioproduction from microalgal chassis using synthetic biological techniques, suitability of microalgal bioreactor-based cell factories for producing value-added natural metabolites, and prospects and applications of microalgae in interstellar travel.

Sustainable Solutions in Sound Shielding: Harnessing Metamaterials for Acoustic Cloaking

The development of metamaterials promises to enable smallscale, worldwide industry-wide acoustic, electromagnetic, mechanical, and solar energy harvesting. Engineered structures surpass natural material limitations, offering capabilities unattainable in traditional counterparts. This paper explores metamaterials' manipulation of acoustic, electromagnetic, mechanical, and solar energy. Mechanical metamaterials convert strain into electrical energy, applicable from interstellar travel to terrestrial infrastructure. Precision-configured acoustic metamaterials efficiently harness dispersed acoustic energy, improving renewable energy methodologies. Integration into photovoltaic cells showcases metamaterials' solar potential, with innovative designs enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency. “Metamaterials” is a word used to describe artificial structures whose properties are based on the aggregate expression of individual components. Acoustic metamaterials are the term used for such constructions intended for the manipulation of acoustic waves. Controlled wave propagation is made possible by acoustic metamaterials, which is frequently not possible with bulk materials created chemically. This indicates that the wave propagation in acoustic metamaterials is directed and produces desired acoustic effects, independent of the mass-density properties of the material. The distinct properties of acoustic metamaterials have paved the way for the creation of practical solutions for a variety of uses, such as passive destructive interference, acoustic cloaking, sound focusing, low-frequency sound insulation, and biomedical acoustics. The kind of sound modification determines the general properties of an acoustic metamaterial. The properties of several of the most promising acoustic metamaterials from passive to active are introduced in this work. In order to achieve a sustainable future, it is necessary to combine environmentally friendly technologies with renewable energy sources for their final application. This is demonstrated by highlighting both the fundamental concepts and the physical models that were assessed.