Hybrid Quantum-Photon Propulsion for Interstellar Flight: Mathematical Analysis and Comparative Assessment (2026–2050)

This paper presents a rigorous mathematical analysis of interstellar propulsion architectures for near-term missions (2026–2050). We demonstrate that classical solar and laser sail concepts, including Breakthrough Starshot and thermonuclear-track proposals, suffer from insurmountable physical contradictions: diffraction-limited beam divergence, energy gigantomania, relativistic erosion, and the fatal absence of autonomous braking. We then analyze quantum photon engines based on the dynamic Casimir effect (DCE), showing that pure DCE propulsion requires either external energy infrastructure or onboard reaction mass that collapses mission efficiency. We propose and mathematically substantiate a hybrid propulsion architecture combining interstellar medium (ISM) particle capture with proton-catalyzed vacuum emission in MOF (metal-organic framework) metamaterial resonators. Quantitative mission modeling for a 3-ton post-biological starship carrying 10 modified anthropomorphic agents to Proxima b yields achievable cruise velocities of 0.1c–0.5c, flight times of 13–50 years, and total ISM fuel consumption of 0.3–3 kg over the entire mission. We conclude with a formal comparative proof that, within the technological horizon 2026–2050, the hybrid architecture is the only physically and logistically viable path to crewed interstellar flight.