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A lightweight sail (center) that could be used to propel a spacecraft for interstellar exploration is depicted in this frame from an animation. In this image, the sail receives beamed energy from a solar-powered satellite. The satellite converts its power to a microwave or laser beam to aim toward the sail. NASA scientists recently demonstrated both the microwave and laser beam concepts in successful laboratory experiments. Future spacecraft that explore the depths of space will need to be very lightweight and be propelled by a reliable source of energy. Solar sails and microwave- and laser-beamed sails meet these requirements, with minimal weight since in the first case the "engine" is the Sun, and in the latter two the engine is left at the point of origin. By use of a remote laser or microwave source from a satellite, beamed energy can be directed to the exploring spacecraft's sails. The result is the same as a sailboat receiving energy from the wind. Sails for both the microwave and laser experiments were made of carbon-carbon microtruss fabric. This very light but stiff fabric can withstand high temperatures that are typical of flight-level power densities. JPL manages Interstellar Technology Development for NASA's Office of Space Science. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. #####
Description
A lightweight sail (center) that could be used to propel a spacecraft for interstellar exploration is depicted in this frame from an animation. In this image, the sail receives beamed energy from a solar-powered satellite. The satellite converts its power to a microwave or laser beam to aim toward the sail. NASA scientists recently demonstrated both the microwave and laser beam concepts in successful laboratory experiments. Future spacecraft that explore the depths of space will need to be very lightweight and be propelled by a reliable source of energy. Solar sails and microwave- and laser-beamed sails meet these requirements, with minimal weight since in the first case the "engine" is the Sun, and in the latter two the engine is left at the point of origin. By use of a remote laser or microwave source from a satellite, beamed energy can be directed to the exploring spacecraft's sails. The result is the same as a sailboat receiving energy from the wind. Sails for both the microwave and laser experiments were made of carbon-carbon microtruss fabric. This very light but stiff fabric can withstand high temperatures that are typical of flight-level power densities. JPL manages Interstellar Technology Development for NASA's Office of Space Science. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. #####
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