Well, it might be more science-fiction than science...

At least, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,59817,00.html">this article on Wired News</a>, there are some people who doubt that solar sails will work. We'll know soon, though, if the scientists behind <i>Cosmos 1</i> are able to launch.
Solar sails have long been a science-fiction staple as a "real" way that we might get to other planets. Interstellar travel is sort of the "Holy Grail" of science-fiction and all the world's space programs, as well. Luminaries such as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.larryniven.org/nivenisms_in_the_news.htm">Larry Niven have written about solar sails</a>, but now we're close to the reality of it. Of course, I doubt that I'll live to see a solar sail take people to another planet even in our solar system, but stranger things have happened!
Anyhow, enjoy the article and the speculations.
Ad astra per aspera!