Project Daedalus

Project Daedalus was a scientific study conducted in the 1970s by the British Interplanetary Society to design a theoretical spacecraft capable of reaching nearby star systems within a human lifetime. The goal was to develop a detailed, feasible plan for an unmanned probe that could travel at about 10% of the speed of light using advanced nuclear fusion engines. The project involved extensive calculations on propulsion, energy sources, and mission design, laying a foundation for future discussions on interstellar travel. It was a pioneering step in imagining how humanity might explore other star systems with technology beyond our current capabilities.