A recent design competition aimed to create a ship capable of interstellar travel has resulted in three unusual winners. The designs, chosen from over 700 entries, may not resemble the iconic USS Enterprise, but they are steps towards making humanity’s first foray into space a reality.
The winning designs include a 58km-long cylinder, a conjoined Ferris wheel pair, and a jellyfish-like structure. While these ships may seem fantastical, they demonstrate innovative thinking and creativity in addressing the significant technological challenges associated with interstellar travel.
This competition is an essential step towards establishing humanity’s presence in space. The designs will help identify the key areas that require further research and development to make interstellar travel feasible.
The competition’s organizers have emphasized that these designs are not just conceptual art, but rather a starting point for exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is thought possible in space exploration. As humanity continues to explore its place in the universe, innovative thinking and creative problem-solving will be crucial in overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.
However, it’s worth noting that interstellar travel remains an enormous undertaking, requiring significant technological advancements and resources. The competition’s winners serve as a testament to human ingenuity and our drive to push the frontiers of space exploration.
Source: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/07/31/how-to-build-a-ship-for-interstellar-travel