Beam Rider: New 'Self-Centering' Laser Sail Could Enable Interstellar Travel

[Admin]

Spacecraft could fly to distant stars using sails with surfaces similar to those of CDs and DVDs to help them stay centered on laser beams, a new study finds.

Beam Rider: New 'Self-Centering' Laser Sail Could Enable Interstellar Travel : Read more

 

[steve_foston]

Interesting, perhaps if a sail could be designed that could incorporate navigation and course corrections this opens up new directions in exploration. Perhaps a design that incorporates the "nuclear" diamond batteries that are being developed by the University of Bristol, UK to provide the power for long journeys may be a way forward.