Scientists calculated the timeline of when crafts will reach distant star systems based on the data about ( ).

参考解析：

根据第四段，in the quest for answers, …turned to the… space telescope for help…gathering the data on billions of stars, charting their orbits and path through the cosmos. 根据第五段，using this data and data about the projected paths of both the voyager space-crafts as well as pioneer 10 and 11…the researchers were able to create a timeline of when…可知科学家计算星系距离的时间线需要借助太空望远镜收集数十亿星星穿越宇宙的轨道和路径信息，同时根据“航行者号”和“先锋者10”“先锋者11”飞船的投影路径数据，科学家们才能计算出时间线。结合选项发现C项表达更全面，包含了选项AB内容。选项D内容是对“飞船”的解释说明。故本题正确答案选C。