Laser Propulsion System Could Cut Travel Time to Mars to Three Days

Mavric

Mavric

Yoda
Staff member
But NASA scientist Philip Lubin is working on a system where lasers propel spacecraft with giant sails to the Red Planet in as little as three days. Much like Bill Nye's much-hyped solar sail, this 'photonic propulsion' system relies on the momentum of photons - particles of light - to move forward. But instead of photons from the Sun's rays, Lubin's design would be given a push by giant Earth-based lasers.


It sounds pretty far-fetched, but in a video for NASA 360, Lubin explains that the technology is very much readily available, and that the system could easily be scaled up.

"There are recent advances that take this from science fiction to science reality," Lubin explains. "There is no known reason why we can not do this."
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"Bill Nye's ...solar sail."

Bill Nye didn't originate the concept of a solar sail. It's as old as science fiction. I'll believe a solar sail - or a system operating on similar principles - will work when I see it. Until then, I'm betting we get to Mars on good old-fashioned rocket power for the next century.

Unless someone invents an Impulse Drive. Make it so, Number One.

 
Yeah, I have my doubts that it's anywhere near as close to viability as they try to claim. I could see the solar sail being closer because of using the massive amount of energy the sum puts out. But I have a hard time believing that a man-made, Earth-based laser is going to produce enough energy to get the job done.

 
The fact that it's even discussed as a possibility is amazing to me. The breakneck pace of technological, and scientific achievement is breathtaking.... What a time to be alive...

 
knapplc said:
NUance said:
Laser propulsion. The technology of the future. And it will continue to be.
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I read this in Lloyd Dobler's voice.
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Well, I do have a little crush on Ione Skye.
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