Hasslein, why are we going to Alpha Centauri?
To put it simply, Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to our own in terms of interstellar distances and crew flight time. Coincidentally, Alpha Centauri is also the most promising with regard to having the chance of supporting a future colony or of even of having highly evolved life of its own. We have been studying Alpha Centauri for over fifty years now, and the more data that we collect, the more we are intrigued. Alpha Centauri is now within our technological grasp to reach, and it is with the criteria that we have judged Alpha Centauri to be a viable interest to both the United States and to the world. Upon reaching Alpha Centauri, all of our past achievements, even the fact of stepping foot on the moon, will pale in comparison. Dr. Hasslein, as you approach the speed of light will the universe appear to vanish into a bright point of light ahead of your spacecraft? As far as we currently understand the effects of near relativistic travel, as an astronaut is looking along the
