I know there are a few treaties that would have to be modified, but I think we would benefit from having nuclear pulse propulsion and antimatter/fission/fusion reactions on the table. This would reduce mass, allow for more shielding and reduce travel time. A twelve month trip could be reduced to 4 weeks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion
I know there are a few treaties that would have to be modified, but I think we would benefit from having nuclear pulse propulsion and antimatter/fission/fusion reactions on the table. This would reduce mass, allow for more shielding and reduce travel time. A twelve month trip could be reduced to 4 weeks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion