# The Physics of Interstellar Travel

The Physics of Interstellar Travel by Coryn Bailer-Jones examines the physics and engineering challenges of sending an uncrewed spacecraft to a nearby star and communicating its findings back. It assumes familiarity with basic physics and covers propulsion, navigation, communication, relativity, optics, thermodynamics, astronomy, and the interstellar medium.

- [Original product page](https://best-deals.pro/product/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [View offer](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- Market: US
- Language: en-US
- Currency: USD
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 51.20 USD
- Previous price: 70.00 USD
- Discount: 27%
- Price checked: 2026-11-14T05:53:18.459Z
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
- Reviews: 2

Prices and deal status are the latest recorded data, not a guarantee of availability. Confirm the price and availability with the store.

## At a glance

- Frames interstellar travel as a practical physics problem, from spacecraft propulsion to returning data across vast distances.
- Discusses nuclear rockets and laser sails alongside navigation, communications, and the interstellar medium.
- Applies concepts including relativity, optics, thermodynamics, and astronomy.
- Described as a self-contained introduction for readers already familiar with basic physics.
- The listing says an open-access version is also available on Cambridge Core.

## Pros

- Brings mission design topics such as propulsion and navigation together with the communication challenge of receiving data from a nearby star.
- Its stated physics prerequisite helps readers judge whether the technical level is appropriate before buying.

## Cons

- Not positioned as a beginner-level introduction to physics. The description assumes some familiarity with the subject.

## Specifications

### Book details
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press
- Publication date: May 21, 2026
- Language: English
- Print length: 374 pages
- ISBN-13: 978-1009689328
### Dimensions and installation
- Weight listed: 2.21 pounds
- Dimensions: 8 x 0.88 x 10 inches

## A good fit for

- Physics students or readers with basic physics knowledge interested in interstellar mission design.
- Readers seeking a technical overview spanning propulsion, spacecraft navigation, communications, and astrophysics.

## Less suited to

- Readers looking for an introductory physics book with no prior subject knowledge.
- Readers seeking a general-audience overview rather than a technically grounded discussion.

## Customer feedback

The listing shows a positive aggregate rating, but it is based on only two ratings and no written customer feedback is supplied. That is too limited to identify dependable reader-reported strengths or concerns, so use the stated physics prerequisite and topic coverage to judge fit.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is this book intended for?
The description assumes some familiarity with basic physics, so it is aimed at readers comfortable with foundational physics concepts.
### What topics does it cover?
It discusses propulsion methods including nuclear rockets and laser sails, as well as navigation, communication, the interstellar medium, relativity, optics, thermodynamics, and astronomy.
### Does it focus only on getting a spacecraft to another star?
No. Its stated scope also includes what an uncrewed spacecraft could do at its destination and how it might send data back over great distances.
### Is there an open-access version?
The listing says this title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.

## Alternative options

- [The Science of Interstellar](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Interstellar Travel: Propulsion, Life Support, Communications, and the Long Journey](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [A Hands-On Introduction to Data Science with Python](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [A Hands-On Introduction to Data Science with R](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Plate Tectonics](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Building Quantum Computers: A Practical Introduction](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Quantum Information: A First Course](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [A Student's Guide to the Laws of Thermodynamics](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Earth History: Stories of Our Geological Past](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [A Traveler’s Guide to the Stars](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Alien Earths: The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)
- [Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space](https://best-deals.pro/visit/the-physics-of-interstellar-travel)

## Images

![The Physics of Interstellar Travel — 1](https://best-deals.pro/i/SHXLU51tEF57A2YOlmchvZWgXWnogl4qLIpc_6EIX_toVYQKs91slsZWY3NbFF61EWWSVcnkd_qBLAAgWVQ40L1JdA6tMYAjq34nJuI-yQCsCUro8jLW.jpg)