the planet Proxima Centuri b — an Earth-size exoplanet that is thought to be potentially habitable

I feel like we might want to double check this before launching the Chrysalis. Cool concept, though.

I love the idea of generation ships, and I think we should use them even if they don't end up being as important in the long run.

This reminds me of Orphans of the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein. The inhabitants of the ship descend into barbarism over several generations and eventually forget there is a universe outside the ship.

One-way trip to an exoplanet? Sounds like a perfect fit for billionaires!

It is the year 0079 of the Universal Century. A half-century has passed since Earth began moving its burgeoning population into gigantic orbiting space colonies. A new home for mankind, where people are born and raised.

And die.

Nine months ago the cluster of colonies furthest from the Earth, called Side 3 proclaimed itself the Principality of Zeon and launched a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Initial fighting lasted over one month and saw both sides lose half their respective populations. People are horrified by the indescribable atrocities that had been committed in the name of independence.

Eight months had passed since the rebellion began. They are at a stalemate.

The mormons are gonna be pissed...

Imagine if they had a means to communicate with Earth when they got there. Their first message: "We made it."

they do have a physicist in the design team but how do you plan this without at least a couple engineers?