A new concept for interstellar travel, called Chrysalis, outlines a massive 36-mile-long rotating habitat intended to carry 2,400 individuals on a one-way journey of 400 years to Alpha Centauri, which is roughly 25 trillion miles away from Earth. Once it departs, resupply is out of the question, so the plan treats the habitat as a self-sufficient society capable of cultivating food, educating children, providing medical care, and manufacturing necessary items during its long journey.
The proposal features a layered design that includes areas for farming, housing, schools, and storage, all of which would utilize rotation to create artificial gravity. Dr. Andreas Hein, the executive director of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies, convened experts to explore how architecture, engineering, and social systems could fit together for such an extended mission. The Chrysalis team envisions an extensive training period on Earth, where future generations would live in isolated Antarctic stations for 70 to 80 years to cultivate the habits, culture, and mental resilience vital for extraterrestrial life.
Chrysalis employs a nested shell structure surrounding a central spine. The innermost zones would support the growth of plants, fungi, microbes, insects, and livestock in controlled environments, while the middle layers would house parks, clinics, schools, and libraries. The outer shells are designed for workshops and storage, ensuring that daily life remains closely integrated with work and resources. The outermost storehouse would rely heavily on robots to minimize human labor and risk.
Alpha Centauri is the closest star system, making it the most logical landing site. Proxima Centauri b, a nearby Earth-sized exoplanet, is thought to be located in a temperate zone where liquid water could exist. Upon entering the Alpha Centauri system, shuttles stored in the central core would transport crews and equipment to the planet, marking the beginning of settlement rather than the conclusion of the journey.
The plan is to arrive fully prepared, with established knowledge in agriculture, medicine, and materials science. Since external logistics are not considered, the ability to manufacture and repair onboard is deemed essential for survival.
Chrysalis also plans to use artificial gravity generated through steady rotation, which can help counteract issues like cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning. However, there are trade-offs, such as Coriolis effects that might affect balance if the rotation speed is excessive. The design aims to create a stable living environment while ensuring effective gravity is maintained.
Radiation exposure is another concern for such a lengthy trip. Instead of relying solely on protective shields, Chrysalis intends to use the mass of its habitat shells to reduce particle flux. Healthcare facilities would be located close to schools and parks, making them easily accessible for both patients and caregivers.
For energy and propulsion, the plan suggests nuclear fusion as a long-term power source. While the development of fusion technology is ongoing, the team estimates a 20 to 25-year construction period once the necessary systems are in place. They view in-space manufacturing as essential for replacing worn-out parts and implementing upgrades during travel.
The population is planned to hover around 1,500, which would balance resources, education, and healthcare needs, while leaving some capacity for emergencies.
Chrysalis secured the top position in the 2025 competition, with judges noting both its technical details and human-focused design. The project was commended for its coherence and innovative habitat structure. The team emphasizes that their starship represents more than mere hardware, illustrating a living environment where humans, robots, and artificial agents interact and collaborate in decision-making.
Preparation for arrival includes equipping the core with small shuttles for surface trips, transporting cargo, and executing emergency evacuations. Pilots and maintenance crews would receive training during the voyage, ensuring that landings don’t rely solely on one group.
Food systems would be designed to support various biomes, enhancing biodiversity and stabilizing diets to prevent ecosystem failures. Learning is to be integrated into daily activities, with schools located near labs and farms, allowing students to develop skills early on. Governance would be structured to be transparent, with shared resources, planned births, and collaborative decision-making, aimed at minimizing the impact of any loss in this small community.
