I think the first problem is long-range communication capabilities. I am not in this field, but I think a network of optical communication nodes which span ligh

I think the first problem is long-range communication capabilities. I am not in this field, but I think a network of optical communication nodes which span light years is needed. I imagine each node should be small, cheap to manufacture, and self-repairing in some form [1]. The second step is meeting energy requirements for deep space exploration, and I think the answer there is nuclear-powered deep space probes which can use the optical network to relay information back to Earth. But more importantly, there needs to be a self-contained autonomous system which can detect signs of life, ascertain next steps for making a determination, and ask for help when it doesn’t know the right next step, amongst other things [2]. Note that both of the things I am mentioning are half-done. [1] https://www.nasa.gov/general/spear-probe-an-ultra-lightweight-nuclear-electric-propulsion-probe-for-deep-space-exploration/ https://www.nasa.gov/general/spear-probe-an-ultra-lightweigh... [2] https://spacenews.com/space-force-taps-four-firms-for-laser-network-project/ https://spacenews.com/space-force-taps-four-firms-for-laser-... For me, the incentive for deep space exploration is answering the why question of human loneliness in the universe. But another incentive is deep space mining.