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Lightsail space tech gets tailwind from Caltech breakthrough

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The idea of a lightsail comes from the fact that radiation pressure represents a mechanical pressure acting on a surface due to the exchange of momentum between it and an electromagnetic field. Since Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell showed that light has momentum, it's possible it could be used to drive forward an object in this way.
The article from The Register discusses a research paper on light sails, a propulsion technology for spacecraft that uses the pressure of sunlight or laser beams to move. The paper, published in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, explores the potential of light sails for interstellar travel, highlighting their efficiency in terms of energy and mass. It details how light sails could theoretically reach speeds up to 20% of the speed of light, significantly reducing travel time to nearby stars. The technology involves deploying large, ultra-thin reflective sails that capture photons, which transfer momentum to the sail, propelling it forward. Challenges include the need for extremely lightweight materials, precise navigation, and the development of powerful lasers for acceleration. The paper also touches on recent advancements in materials science that could make light sails more feasible, although significant engineering hurdles remain before practical interstellar missions can be launched.

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[ https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/03/light_sails_tech_paper/ ]