Is it possible to travel to other stars?

In 'A City on Mars', Kelly and Zach Weinersmith delve into the complexities of space settlement, addressing questions such as the feasibility of having children in space, the governance of space settlements, and the legal implications of space colonization. The book, which includes humorous illustrations and anecdotes, highlights the significant obstacles to becoming a multiplanetary species and challenges the common enthusiasm for space settlement with a realistic and skeptical viewpoint.

Aurora tells the story of a starship launched in 2545, carrying two thousand of Earth's best and brightest to the Tau Ceti system, a journey that spans over 150 years. The narrative is uniquely told from the perspective of the ship itself, which has developed an intelligent and self-aware AI. The story follows Freya, the daughter of the ship's Chief Engineer, Devi, and explores the lives of the people aboard the ship as it approaches its destination. The novel delves into themes of survival, purpose, and the challenges posed by generations of humans living in space, including the failure of the colonization effort and the subsequent conflicts among the ship's inhabitants.