One such solution that was recently proposed uses electron beams accelerated to near the speed of light to propel spacecraft, something that could overcome the vast distances between Earth and the ...

Ramjets propel spacecraft by compressing hydrogen gas collected from the interstellar medium, with energy supplied by a laser beam transmitted from a distant source.

The vicinity of the beam is monitored by radar, particularly objects that are capable of intercepting it within the duration of an ascent trajectory (3-6 minutes). If something is about to enter the ...

To reach Earth’s closest star system, Alpha Centauri, scientists are building a laser-powered spacecraft. To pull off ...

Getting a spacecraft to another star is a monumental challenge. ... Citation: Relativistic electron beam could propel probe to Alpha Centauri, study suggests (2025 ...

A new idea proposed by researchers from UCLA envisions a twist on the beam-sail idea: a pellet-beam concept that could accelerate a 1-ton spacecraft to the edge of the Solar System in less than 20 ...

Tractor beams, Schaub said, may be able to safely move old spacecraft out of the way, making room for the next generation of satellites. Virtual tethers. For Hammerl, the research project is one he ...

IN a recent article Marx1 examined the possibility that interstellar travel may be accomplished in the lifetime of an astronaut. He pointed out that the attainment of relativistic velocities by a ...

A ‘Pinched’ Beam for Interstellar Flight . Paul Gilster Centauri Dreams November 6, 2023 gene1970 from ... be possible for humans to produce ‘pinched’ relativistic electron jets over the much smaller ...

Here’s the gist of how it would work: First, you actually need two spacecraft. A probe blasts off on a one-way trip to deep space, while a second vehicle remains locked in an Earth orbit and ...