Original project · 2026

Complete star-system information

Kepler-442

A K-type star system hosting the super-Earth Kepler-442b.

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Host starKepler-442

K-type main-sequence star

Distance from EarthApprox. 1,206 light-years

One-way light time: 1,206 years

Worlds listed here1

1 catalog candidates flagged for habitability discussion.

Communication round trip2,412 years

Before any scientific processing or response delay.

System architecture

Kepler-442

Star typeK-type main-sequence star
ArchitectureA distant system with Kepler-442b as its confirmed catalog planet.
How it is observedThe planet was detected from transit dimming in Kepler data.
Research importanceIts size and estimated stellar energy place it among frequently discussed candidates.
Main uncertaintyMass, atmosphere and surface state are inferred rather than directly observed.
Catalog worldKepler-442b
DetectionTransit
Direct imageNo
Host classK star

System travel calculation

How long to reach Kepler-442?

This is the approximate distance from Earth to the host star system. Every listed planet in the system is effectively at the same interstellar distance for travel estimates.

At light speed1,206 years299,792 km/s

A physical reference only. A spacecraft with mass cannot reach light speed.

At 10% of light speed12,060 years29,979 km/s — hypothetical

No operational spacecraft can sustain this interstellar cruise speed.

At 1% of light speed120,600 years2,998 km/s — hypothetical

Still far beyond current spacecraft propulsion.

At Parker Solar Probe peak1.88 million yearsAbout 692,000 km/h

Parker reaches this speed only very close to the Sun; it is not an interstellar cruise speed.

At New Horizons launch speed22.24 million yearsAbout 58,536 km/h

A comparison using a real high-energy launch from Earth.

At Voyager 1 speed21.27 million yearsAbout 61,200 km/h

A practical comparison with a spacecraft already moving into interstellar space.

Catalog worlds in this system

1 listed worlds

Primary catalog source: NASA Science ↗