It could be POTUS plan to have Assange charged, convicted and all, so they can get his testimony on record. POTUS will pardon him when all is done.
How about common sense. How far is the nearest star?
How many light years away is the nearest star?
In 1 year light travels 5.8 trillion miles. 4 years, Huh. Only 23.2 trillion miles. What's the fastest speed you would recommend traveling at, so that you would see any space junk in time to maneuver around it? Asking for a friend.