ISCISC
ChallengesNewsTechnologyAgenciesHow it works
All technologies
Technology deep-dive
Breakthrough Starshot
FutureConceptual & SpeculativeApril 30, 2026

Featured technology

Breakthrough Starshot

Breakthrough Starshot is a research and engineering project to develop a proof-of-concept fleet of light sail interstellar probes.

The project aims to propel a fleet of tiny spacecraft to speeds of up to 100 million miles an hour using a ground-based light beamer.

The ultimate goal is to reach Alpha Centauri in just over 20 years from launch.

Read more

Related technologies

Further reading

View all →
Lunar Railway
FutureResource Utilization

Lunar Railway

A lunar railway system is being developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide payload transport on the Moon. This concept is one of the six innovative tech concepts advanced by NASA. The lunar railway system could provide fresh perspectives and approaches as NASA explores the unknown in space. The development of this concept is part of NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts program.

Explore
NIAC Program
ISCInterstellar Challenge

The global platform for space prediction and intelligence. Shape the future of space exploration with your insights.

Platform

  • Challenges
  • Space News
  • Technology
  • How it Works

Company

  • About ISC
  • Our Mission
  • Explore

Resources

  • NASA
  • ESA
  • SpaceX
  • ISRO

Stay in orbit

Get notified about new challenges and space developments.

© 2026 Interstellar Challenge.All rights reserved.
Made withfor the cosmos
PrivacyTermsContact
FutureConceptual & Speculative

NIAC Program

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program funds innovative aerospace concepts that could enable and transform future missions. The program nurtures visionary ideas that could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs. The NIAC program has selected six visionary concept studies for additional funding and development.

Explore
Photonic Lightsails
FuturePropulsion

Photonic Lightsails

Photonic lightsails are a type of propulsion that uses a high-power laser to accelerate a spacecraft. The lightsail is designed to be ultra-thin and ultra-reflective, allowing it to ride a column of laser light to incredible speeds. This technology could enable fast and stable propulsion for interstellar travel.

Explore