Subscribe now
A laser pushes a mini spacecraft's light sail in this artist's impression

A mission to Alpha Centauri affirms humanity's faith in the future

10 April 2019

Designing and building spacecraft that can traverse 4.3 light years in just two decades is an unprecedented challenge, but one well worth undertaking
Black holes and lasers could let us cheat at interstellar travel

Black holes and lasers could let us cheat at interstellar travel

12 March 2019

Firing a laser at a pair of black holes can produce more energy than you start with, letting you travel the galaxy without needing a large amount of fuel

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop