Scientists Say They’ve Figured Out a Way to Get to Alpha Centauri in Just 20 Years

Texas A&M researchers reported micron-scale devices that can be moved and steered in 3D using lasers.

They say the same light-based propulsion idea could eventually scale to larger spacecraft or light sails.

If that works, travel to Alpha Centauri could be far faster than with today’s rockets, potentially on the order of decades instead of centuries.

The work could also advance laser-based spacecraft control, microgravity manipulation, and future interstellar mission design.