The first astronauts to travel to distant stars might use what to achieve light speed instead of engines?
Answer (2)
Using light sails that harness radiation pressure for propulsion, spacecraft could reach high speeds without carrying fuel, potentially enabling interstellar travel as showcased by the LightSail-1 project.
The first astronauts to travel to distant stars might use light sails for propulsion to achieve high speeds, as opposed to conventional engines. This concept is based on the principle of radiation pressure, where light carries momentum that can be transferred to a spacecraft with a large reflecting surface. These space sails would not require fuel, operating instead on continuous acceleration provided by solar radiation, allowing the spacecraft to eventually reach substantial speeds. LightSail-1 , a project that launched a lightweight satellite using this technology, has demonstrated that solar sails can unfurl and could potentially enable interstellar travel at a fraction of the cost and energy required by traditional spacecraft.
Astronauts may use light sails for propulsion to achieve light speed, taking advantage of radiation pressure from sunlight. This method allows for continuous acceleration without the need for fuel, making it suitable for deep-space travel. Projects like LightSail-1 have tested this technology, suggesting it could revolutionize space travel in the future.
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