As to the original post, when we send spacecraft to other plaetary systems, we will need pretty serious AI, or something close, to manage the probes, drones and other devices for data collection and analysis. Although I really have no idea, I assume quantum computing will play a big part in that overall success with no human involvement in decision processes to complate the tasks.

I recall when new computers with faster chips were a serious issue for consumers. After a number of years of this improvement, I thought, "Yeah, a faster computer...like I will spot the difference." The slow part of my computing (then) was the idiot operating the keyboard.

I get that quantum computing is a major jump, but it's not clear to me what that will change for the masses. All one hears in the media is about encryption, although I am sure there is much more.

125 years ago, we did not have technology for powered flight. 100 years ago, we were unaware of that the universe was larger than our home galaxy. 50 years ago, there were no personal computers in homes. Less than 30 years ago, we were unaware of any firm evidence of exoplanets.

It’s very difficult to imagine future technology and what developments will cascade exponentially. If we manage to make fusion energy work in the next 75 years, it will be a real game changer for a lot of things. Getting information back from another planet is a major technological jump, and as has been discussed, it will take a long time. Getting information back with evidence of life, or images of lifeforms is just a matter of more time for more distance as we increase the number of data points with improvements in technology.

Within 10 parsecs (33 ly) of Sol, there are about 413 stars. Most are red stars, which may be less conducive to life due to higher dynamic solar radiation and activity. Within those 413 stars, there are only 54 stars that are either G type - like Sol; K type - Orange/Red; F type – Yellow/White; or A type – Bluish/White.

I will go out on a limb and say inside of 250 years from now we will have decent data from some visitation to 15-20 planets associated with these stars. How many will show any evidence of life? It’s impossible to say.