Trajectories for rapid access to the interstellar medium ( ISM ) with a Kuiper Belt Object ( KBO ) flyby , launching between 2022 and 2030 , are described . An impulsive - patched - conic broad search algorithm combined with a local optimizer is used for the trajectory computations . Two classes of trajectories , ( 1 ) with a powered Jupiter flyby and ( 2 ) with a perihelion maneuver , are studied and compared . Planetary flybys combined with leveraging maneuvers reduce launch C3 requirements ( by factor of 2 or more ) and help satisfy mission - phasing constraints . Low launch C3 combined with leveraging and a perihelion maneuver is found to be enabling for a near - term potential mission to the ISM .