On the maximum sufficient range of interstellar vessels

TL;DR

This paper argues that the maximum effective range of interstellar vessels in a mature network is less than three parsecs, enabling efficient access to most nearby stellar systems without excessive travel distances.

Contribution

It introduces a sufficiency-based principle to estimate the maximum range of interstellar vessels, suggesting a practical limit for interstellar transportation networks.

Findings

Maximum vessel range is less than three parsecs.

Most nearby stellar systems are accessible within this range.

Travel distances are comparable to physical distances between stars.

Abstract

This paper considers the likely maximum range of space vessels providing the basis of a mature interstellar transportation network. Using the principle of sufficiency, it is argued that this range will be less than three parsecs for the average interstellar vessel. This maximum range provides access from the Solar System to a large majority of nearby stellar systems, with total travel distances within the network not excessively greater than actual physical distance.