Another aspect of the project's challenge is funding. While technically plausible in principle to develop such system, the total funding needed is on the order

Another aspect of the project's challenge is funding. While technically plausible in principle to develop such system, the total funding needed is on the order of $5-10 Billion. There is a relevant discussion about this on [Metaculus](http://www.metaculus.com/questions/208/to-the-stars-1-will-the-private-investment-in-laser-sail-extra-solar-travel-be-matched-by-a-comparable-amount-within-5-years/ http://www.metaculus.com/questions/208/to-the-stars-1-will-t...), for those who are interested.