The Physics of Interstellar Travel
Coryn Bailer‑Jones’s new textbook *The Physics of Interstellar Travel* addresses a long‑standing gap in higher‑education by delivering the first college‑level treatment of star‑flight physics. The book surveys the surge of interest sparked by initiatives such as NASA’s 100‑Year Starship and Breakthrough Starshot, and it ties that enthusiasm to rigorous orbital‑mechanics and propulsion analysis. It evaluates fusion rockets, beamed lightsails, ion and antimatter concepts while confronting interstellar‑medium hazards and communication challenges. Bailer‑Jones frames the material as a step‑by‑step roadmap for engineers aiming to make interstellar missions feasible by century’s end.
On Artemis and Starshot
Artemis’ recent launch reignited the excitement of returning humans to deep space, showcasing NASA’s powerful yet expensive Space Launch System (SLS). The mission underscores the urgency of developing more affordable, reusable launch solutions for a sustained lunar presence and eventual...