The Closest Star
The closest star to our Solar System is Proxima Centauri, which is why it makes the most sense to plot an interstellar mission to this system first. As part of a triple star system called Alpha Centauri, Proxima is about 4.24 light years (or 1.3 parsecs) from Earth. Alpha Centauri is actually the brightest star of the three in the system – part of a closely orbiting binary 4.37 light years from Earth – whereas Proxima Centauri (the dimmest of the three) is an isolated red dwarf about 0.13 light years from the binary.
Current Methods
When we say current methods, we are talking about those that involve existing technology, or those that do not yet exist, but are technically feasible.
Ionic Propulsion
81,000 years
Gravity Assist Method
19,000 years
Electromagnetic (EM) Drive
13,000 years
Nuclear Thermal and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NTP/NEP)
1,000 years
Theoretical Methods
Nuclear Pulse Propulsion
85 years
Electromagnetic (EM) Drive
13,000 years
Nuclear Thermal and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NTP/NEP)
1,000 years
Theoretical Methods
Nuclear Pulse Propulsion
85 years
Fusion Rockets
36 years
Fusion Ramjet
106 years
Laser Sail
12 years for a 200 miles sail
Antimatter Engine
8 years
Alcubierre Warp Drive
4 years
How Long Would It Take To Travel To The Nearest Star?
