The plan to send an unmanned craft on a 40-year journey to Alpha Centauri is, some think, the essence of bold science reaching out to the unknown. Gilster shows... » 

The plan to send an unmanned craft on a 40-year journey to Alpha Centauri is, some think, the essence of bold science reaching out to the unknown. Gilster shows why scientists who will barely live to see the launch, and not long enough to see the outcome, are committed to this startling goal. «