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This "Antiquated" Star Trek Tech Could Actually Be The Future Of Space Travel

The article from Inverse discusses the concept of solar sails, a propulsion method inspired by science fiction but grounded in real physics. Solar sails utilize the momentum of photons from the sun or other light sources to propel spacecraft without the need for traditional fuel, offering a sustainable way to explore space. The idea, popularized in shows like "Star Trek" and "Star Wars," has moved from theoretical to practical with projects like NASA's NanoSail-D and The Planetary Society's LightSail 2. These initiatives have demonstrated that solar sails can indeed work in space, with LightSail 2 successfully raising its orbit using sunlight alone. The article explains how solar sails could revolutionize space travel by enabling long-duration missions, potentially reaching destinations like Mars or even beyond our solar system, all while reducing the cost and environmental impact of space exploration. However, challenges remain, including the need for large, lightweight materials and the slow acceleration rates, which make solar sails more suitable for long-term missions rather than quick trips.

Read the Full Inverse Article at [ https://www.inverse.com/science/solar-sails-real-science-star-trek-star-wars ]