Speculations on what the first interstellar crewed ship might look like, sent to the exoplanet Proxima b, our nearest star. More details on the mission's goals and objectives are in the WIP: https://render.ru/xen/threads/space-ship.187312/ Thanks to everyone who followed and contributed. Special thanks to Mihanik and LMA. Polygons: 75755 Verts: 95886 Length: 463.6 m Width: 145.3 m Crew: 70 persons Weight: abt. 10,000 t Duration of mission: 30 years "...The beginning of the third millennium. Humanity had overcome many difficulties and global challenges. World wars, natural disasters, epidemics—all of this seemed far behind us. An era of rapid scientific development had dawned. Two centuries had passed since the founding of the first bases on Mars, and flights to the Moon had become commonplace. Now, humans were close to taking a new step in space exploration—the first interstellar flight. The main components of the first interstellar ship, "Kronos," were being assembled in orbit. The best minds in humanity worked on its creation, and its assembly was carried out by engineers—aces in their field. A couple of years remained before the launch of the first mission. Meanwhile, on Earth, crew training was underway. The mission, named "Proxima," to the nearest exoplanet in the constellation Proxima Centauri, consisted of scientists, researchers—fanatical in their field. They understood that the probability of a successful return was practically zero. Zero. However, no one was going to refuse. On the contrary, candidates underwent a rigorous selection process. Proxima Centauri has been mentioned by science fiction writers since time immemorial. It beckoned, so close and yet so incredibly distant. Just 4.2 years—that's how long it took for light from this star to reach our planet. The first flights to Mars sometimes lasted longer. The crew of the first mission was expected to fly for 13 years. During this time, they would remain in cryo-sleep, and the flight itself would be carried out automatically. In the event of any malfunctions, the system would awaken the flight engineers to check the parameters and make adjustments if necessary. The ship carried two research satellites—one for the red dwarf star in this star system and the other for its exoplanet, Proxima b, where our heroes were headed. A small group was also planned to land on the planet using a shuttle for a more detailed study. The crew needed to complete everything and begin their return to Earth before the next powerful flare on Proxima Centauri. So, the first mission to the nearest star system. Why is this group of 70 people flying into the unknown? Their goals and objectives are quite specific. Before sending a large colonization ship with a huge number of people and equipment on board, it is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of all systems. The group was to experience firsthand what it was like to be in a cryogenic chamber for 13 years, and what it was like to wake up in the unknown. Throughout the flight, the ship would transmit data from all systems to Earth. The group also had a professional psychologist to monitor its behavior. If even one member of the group developed a mental disorder, everyone else would be in danger. This remains to be studied – how to realize you've woken up after 13 years of sleep, to distinguish dreams from reality, when familiar reality will never be around again. Next, some of the group were to travel to the surface of the exoplanet not only to install equipment and collect samples, but also to experience the effects of gravity after 13 years of flight. The next difficult psychological aspect - preparation for return to Earth, entering cryosleep with limited personnel and resources. Not everyone might want to undergo another 13-year hibernation, especially if the first flight wasn't successful for everyone. The nearly 30-year mission should determine whether humanity is ready to send its first colony to the stars.