Would You Take a 400-Year Trip to Alpha Centauri? Readers Weigh In

Imagine stepping onto a spaceship knowing you’ll never see Earth again — and that it will take 400 years to reach your destination. Would you go?

That’s the wild question Live Science asked readers in a recent poll about a hypothetical starship called Chrysalis, a multi-generational spacecraft designed to travel to Proxima Centauri b — an Earth-sized planet orbiting the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri. The ship, at least in theory, could carry thousands of people across the stars.

The responses? Let’s just say people had opinions.

Who’s Ready to Go?

Out of more than 3,300 readers, nearly 45% said they would go “no questions asked.” For them, the chance to be part of humanity’s first great star voyage was worth the sacrifice.

But about 30% flat-out refused the idea, while the rest were stuck somewhere in the middle, wanting to know more before committing to a one-way trip across the galaxy.

Conditions Matter

Several readers said it all depends on what life aboard the ship would actually be like.

Jason P. Harris wrote: “It would depend on the living arrangements, as well as the work required and the rec facilities.”

One reader, S. Ravenscroft, wanted a bit more excitement: “If I could go by myself, and if the ship had a racetrack, and I could bring a motorcycle with me, I would sign right now.”

And of course, there’s always the dream of sleeping the trip away. As Chris K X24 put it: “If there was hypersleep then yes I’d go.”

Earth’s Future in the Mix

Others linked their decision to the fate of Earth. “I guess if Earth was becoming uninhabitable I would,” wrote a commenter calling themselves Captain Awesome. But they also pointed out one big downside: “It doesn’t sound like fun, my ping back to Earth would just get worse and worse until gaming becomes impossible.”

Gamers, take note: interstellar lag is real.

The Technology Problem

And then there’s the issue of timing. Gavin Chapple noted that in 400 years, humans back on Earth might invent near-light-speed travel and get there first. “The silly part is, once they finally arrive, there will already be humans there who beat them to it,” he joked.

So… Would You Go?

The big question remains: would you leave Earth behind forever for the adventure of Alpha Centauri?

For some, the idea of being pioneers in space is worth everything. For others, it sounds like the most boring road trip ever — just longer. Either way, the poll proves one thing: humanity is fascinated by the idea of going beyond our home planet, even if the trip is longer than all of recorded history.

So what about you? Would you pack up, say goodbye, and take a chance on a new world you’ll never live to see?