The current technology we have for interstellar space travel is very limited, with slow speeds and outdated rockets. Our fastest rocket, Saturn 5, could only reach speeds of about 25,000 km per hour, which means it would take 188,000 years to reach the closest star system, Alpha-Centauri. Nuclear propulsion, either through fusion or fission, is not yet feasible for interstellar flights. Fission reactors have slow escape velocities and pulse nuclear thrusters have technical challenges to overcome, such as blast recoil and radiation exposure for the crew. Nuclear fusion, if fully developed, holds the most promise for solving these problems. However, currently, we have to make do with the limited technology we have and accept the odds that are stacked against us in interstellar travel.

Hector Vladimir 2025©

The vacuum of space presents navigation and habitation challenges for interstellar missions. It takes a lot of energy to slow down, and a livable pressurized atmosphere must be maintained throughout the mission. This is costly, and beyond our current capabilities. Space has much matter in the form of dust, particles, and larger bodies. These can easily collide with any speeding spacecraft, and avoiding such fast-moving bodies is currently impossible. Especially when considering high speeds requirements. The unknown presents any interstellar mission with almost endless concerns, dark energy and dark matter are only the start of these.

Hector Vladimir 2025©

Here I discuss NASA's five hazards of space flight and provide my layman's commentary. These hazards include radiation, gravity fields, distance from earth, isolation, and hostile environments.

Hector Vladimir 2025©