For more than half a century, spaceflight has meant towering chemical rockets, disposable stages and cramped capsules perched on top. The approach has worked spectacularly for reaching orbit and the ...

Deep space travel sounds incredible, but there’s a major problem—distance, radiation, and survival challenges make it nearly impossible. Can we overcome these obstacles and reach the stars?

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. I have always loved the idea of going to ...