Breakthrough Starshot, estimated to literally get off the ground in 20 years, has the potential to totally change our relationship with space. The technology employed, gram-scale nanocrafts pushed through space via light beam, may allow us to see stars up close, search for extraterrestrial life, and — what Stephen Hawking is likely most excited about — get us the hell off Earth.
At the start of Tuesday’s press conference, Hawking was pretty quiet on why he had volunteered to be on the board, and one of the very public faces, of Starshot. When asked what he was hoping to get out of the project, Hawking only responded that: “Hopefully, a successful launch to Alpha Centauri within a generation.”
But soon enough, Hawking cut to the point.
“Earth is a wonderful place, but it might not last forever,” Hawking said through his text-to-talk machine. “Sooner or later we must look to the stars. Breakthrough Starshot is a very exciting first step on that journey.”
The solution is right in front our eyes. But those who should know refuse to look. To read more, click here.