The Physics of Interstellar Travel

Aimed at students of science and engineering, this book examines the physics behind getting an uncrewed spacecraft to the nearest stars. Linking fundamental concepts to real-world applications, it provides a coherent, one-stop introduction to the challenge of interstellar travel. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.

What is the physics behind getting a spacecraft to the nearest stars? What science can it do when it gets there? How can it send back data over enormous distances? Drawing on established physics, Coryn Bailer-Jones explores the various challenges of getting an uncrewed spacecraft to a nearby star within a human lifetime. In addition to propulsion methods such as nuclear rockets and laser sails, this book examines critical issues such as navigation, communication, and the interstellar medium. Starting from fundamental concepts, readers will learn how a broad spectrum of physics – ranging from relativity to optics, and thermodynamics to astronomy – can be applied to address this demanding problem. Assuming some familiarity with basic physics, this volume is a comprehensive and self-contained introduction to interstellar travel, and an indispensable guide for studying the literature on deep space exploration. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.