London: The US military is planning a mission of flying mankind in the next 100 years to an alien planet – which would otherwise take around 70,000 years to reach with current technologies.
The project, called the 100-Year Starship study, will see key decisions taken within the next 12 weeks - such as where to head for, a newspaper reported.
Our own solar system`s inhospitable planets have been ruled out. Alpha Centauri - among the stars closest to us - is a candidate.
America`s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is offering a 300,000 pounds prize to scientists who can begin overcoming hurdles such as whether to freeze humans for the mission - or to send embryos that can be “born” when near their new home.
In September a meeting will take place in Florida, U.S, and initial plans will be drawn up for the exploration and colonisation of world beyond the solar system.
ANI
