# Fermi Explorer interstellar mission

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fermi-explorer-interstellar-mission
> Updated: 2026-09-06T11:51:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

A non-profit organization led by Starcloud co-founders Philip Johnston, Adi Oltean, and Ezra Feilden has established the Fermi Explorer mission. The project aims to launch a 1-kilogram spacecraft toward the Alpha Centauri star system to test the feasibility of interstellar travel and address the Fermi Paradox.

Initial plans indicated a potential departure by the early 2040s using the Oberth maneuver to gain velocity. However, subsequent updates specify a target launch date by the end of 2029. The mission intends to utilize existing solar-electric propulsion technology rather than speculative laser propulsion, with a trajectory involving repeated close approaches to the Sun to achieve interstellar speeds.

The project seeks to keep total costs for design, construction, launch, and operation below $15 million. While the journey is estimated to last between 73,000 and 80,000 years, organizers describe the mission as an achievable first step for future generations.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Fermi Explorer Mission targets 2029 launch for interstellar probe

The Fermi Explorer Mission aims to launch a solar-electric spacecraft toward Alpha Centauri by 2029, embarking on an 80,000-year journey using existing propulsion technology.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fermi-explorer-mission-targets-2029-launch-for-interstellar-probe

### 2026-09-01: Fermi Explorer mission aims to reach Alpha Centauri

Starcloud founders have launched a non-profit to send the Fermi Explorer, a 1kg spacecraft, to Alpha Centauri on an 80,000-year journey to test the feasibility of interstellar travel.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fermi-explorer-mission-aims-to-reach-alpha-centauri

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Cite as: Fermi Explorer interstellar mission. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fermi-explorer-interstellar-mission