All articles tagged with #laser propulsion
Texas A&M researchers demonstrated laser-driven metajets—ultrathin, patterned devices—that can be steered in three dimensions by transferring photon momentum, with potential to scale to larger craft and, given enough laser power, enable a ~20-year voyage to Alpha Centauri; experiments were conducted in a fluid environment to observe controllable motion and microgravity tests are planned for space readiness.
Texas A&M researchers report a lab demonstration of micron-scale metajets with metasurfaces that can be steered in three dimensions by laser light; they say the concept could be scaled to propel larger spacecraft, potentially enabling a 20-year journey to Alpha Centauri, though real-world feasibility and space testing remain to be proven.
Texas A&M researchers demonstrated micron-scale metajets that use metasurfaces to move in three dimensions when illuminated by laser light, enabling 3D maneuverability that could, in theory, scale to propel larger craft. While the approach could cut a trip to Alpha Centauri to about 20 years, feasibility remains uncertain as tests to date occurred in fluid environments and microgravity space tests are planned to validate practicality and scaling.
A study in Advanced Science shows laser light can push graphene aerogel in microgravity, hinting at a propellant-free propulsion method for spacecraft; graphene cubes accelerated under laser beams suggest light-based thrust could cut fuel costs and enable longer, more efficient deep-space missions, though Earth gravity dampens the effect and further research is needed.
An astrophysicist proposes sending a tiny, laser-propelled spacecraft to study a nearby black hole within the next century, contingent on future technological advances and the discovery of a sufficiently close black hole, potentially within 25 light-years of Earth.
Physicist Cosimo Bambi proposes a century-long mission to send a gram-scale laser-driven probe to a black hole 20 light-years away to test Einstein's theory, facing technological and financial challenges but promising groundbreaking insights into black holes and fundamental physics.
A new proposal suggests that miniature, laser-propelled spacecraft could travel to a nearby black hole within 60-75 years to test Einstein's theory of general relativity and investigate the existence of event horizons, potentially advancing our understanding of black holes and fundamental physics within the next few decades.
NASA has selected a proposal called Swarming Proxima Centauri, which involves using gram-scale spacecraft propelled by a 100-gigawatt laser beamer to reach Proxima Centauri and its Earth-like exoplanet by the third quarter of this century. The concept, developed by Space Initiatives Inc. and the Initiative for Interstellar Studies, aims to overcome the challenges of interstellar travel by utilizing swarm dynamics and autonomous navigation. The mission could have applications in space exploration, Earth observation, and various fields on Earth, but the primary obstacle remains the cost of the laser array.
Researchers from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is) have proposed using a swarm of gram-scale spacecraft propelled by laser sails to establish communications with Earth across interstellar distances. The team recommends launching hundreds of probes that would be synchronized and maintained by a 100 GW launch laser. The swarm concept would enhance data return and exploration capabilities, while also providing solutions to challenges such as interstellar dust grains. The technology could also be used for solar system exploration, allowing for faster and more cost-effective missions.