Solar One: A Proposal for The First Crewed Interstellar Spacecraft

TL;DR

This paper proposes Solar One, a spacecraft combining near-term technologies like nuclear fusion, large light sails, and laser arrays, aiming for interstellar travel at 22% light speed to reach habitable exoplanets within 19 years.

Contribution

It introduces a novel spacecraft design integrating existing technologies for interstellar travel, including a large light sail and fusion reactors, with innovative propulsion methods.

Findings

Potential to reach 22% of light speed

Travel time to habitable exoplanets under 19 years

Identifies key technological challenges

Abstract

In this paper it is presented the concept and design of a new type of spacecraft that could be used to make the first manned interstellar travel. Solar one would integrate three near-term technologies, namely: compact nuclear fusion reactors, extremely large light sails, and high-energy laser arrays. A system of lenses or mirrors to propel the sail with sunlight is suggested as an alternative to laser propulsion. With a mile-long light sail, Solar One could reach an average of 22% the speed of light, arriving to the closest potentially habitable exoplanet in less than 19 years with the help of a Bussard scoop producing reverse electromagnetic propulsion. Key challenges are reducing the weight of continuous-wave lasers and compact fusion reactors as well as achieving cryo-sleep and artificial gravity.