A new method for interstellar travel has been proposed, allowing flights to the nearest star at speeds 1,750 times faster.

A group of physicists has proposed a new method for space travel that would enable a spacecraft to reach the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, in just 40 years instead of the 70,000 years required with current technologies. This is 1,750 times faster. To achieve this, relativistic electron beams would need to be utilized. The physicists presented their ideas in the journal Acta Astronautica, as reported by Space.

The main challenge in reaching another star system lies in determining how to efficiently and affordably generate and transmit enough energy to the spacecraft. Modern spacecraft require the installation of enormous solar panels and vast amounts of fuel onboard to reach the nearest stars. However, even with these measures, current chemical engines do not allow for reaching the nearest stars within a human lifetime.

Therefore, the physicists suggested using electron beams, comprised of electrons moving at nearly the speed of light, for interstellar travel. This is referred to as relativistic speed, hence these beams are classified as relativistic electron beams.

The closest star system to us, Alpha Centauri, which consists of three stars, is located 4.3 light-years away. This is approximately 2,000 times farther than the most distant spacecraft, Voyager 1. It took Voyager 1 48 years to travel that distance and enter interstellar space. Scientists' calculations indicate that a spacecraft would require about 70,000 years to reach Alpha Centauri using current chemical rocket engines.

According to the physicists, this research focuses on how to assist an unmanned spacecraft in achieving the necessary speed to reach the nearest star in a significantly shorter time frame, ideally less than the average human lifespan. This relies on the ability to deliver sufficient kinetic energy to the spacecraft in a cost-effective manner.

Currently, one of the most popular concepts involves using a laser beam composed of photons, or particles of light, which would provide the spacecraft equipped with a light sail the necessary energy to attain relativistic speed.

However, the challenge is that maintaining the stability of a laser beam over vast distances is extremely difficult, which would prevent the spacecraft from reaching nearly the speed of light. Additionally, there are complexities involved in generating and sustaining the required energy for such a laser beam, which is very expensive.

The physicists argue that electrons can be accelerated to nearly the speed of light much more easily, and existing technologies can help avoid the dispersion of the electron beam. The research suggests that it is possible to maintain the electron beam in a stable state even at distances 1,000 times greater than the distance from the Earth to the Sun, which is 150 million km. This means that the spacecraft would receive the necessary energy to achieve relativistic speed.

Calculations by the physicists indicate that a spacecraft roughly the size of Voyager 1 and weighing 1 ton (which would allow for the installation of many scientific instruments) could reach a speed of 10% of the speed of light. Thus, it would reach the Alpha Centauri star system in just 40 years.

The physicists propose placing another spacecraft close to the Sun, which would harness solar energy to generate a powerful electron beam.

Implementing this idea will require substantial work, but the scientists are optimistic and believe that it is feasible. Consequently, fast interstellar flights may soon transition from the realm of science fiction to reality.