In the 23rd century, Barnard's Star is considered to be the furthest known system from Earth to contain "developed planet-nations." Most intergalactic trading vessels have training runs that simply involve getting from Alpha Centauri to Barnard's Star while wasting as little fuel paricles (hyrdogen-based) as possible. While it is possible to travel directly from Barnard's Star to Earth, it requires a sturdy vessel and advanced knowledge in eco-spacecraft piloting. By the year 3200, all the planets located near Barnard's Star has a developed economy suitable for importing goods from other planets as well as exporting goods from other planets without impoverishing the economy of the local planets.