The Astronomical, Astrobiological and Planetary Science Case for Interstellar Spaceflight

TL;DR

This paper reviews the scientific advantages of rapid interstellar spaceflight, emphasizing its potential to advance astrophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology, especially if deceleration capabilities are included despite increased complexity.

Contribution

It highlights the scientific benefits of interstellar travel at speeds >= 0.1c and discusses the importance of deceleration for maximizing scientific returns.

Findings

Interstellar travel enables significant scientific insights in multiple fields.

Deceleration capability enhances scientific benefits despite increased mission complexity.

Rapid interstellar missions could revolutionize understanding of the cosmos.

Abstract

A review is presented of the scientific benefits of rapid (v >= 0.1c) interstellar spaceflight. Significant benefits are identified in the fields of interstellar medium studies, stellar astrophysics, planetary science and astrobiology. In the latter three areas the benefits would be considerably enhanced if the interstellar vehicle is able to decelerate from its interstellar cruise velocity to rest relative to the target system. Although this will greatly complicate the mission architecture, and extend the overall travel time, the scientific benefits are such that this option should be considered seriously in future studies.