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Light sails

Article Abstract:

Space vehicles can be made much lighter and smaller if they do not have to carry their source of power. Power can be supplied through lasers projected on structures called 'light sails.' The photons upon hitting the sails would either be reflected or absorbed. Either way, acceleration is imparted.

Author: Harris, Henry M.

Publisher: Scientific American, Inc.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1999

Usage, Lasers

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Space tethers

Article Abstract:

The concept of a hunter using a sling to hurl a stone can be used to launch objects into space. Orbiting and cartwheeling tethers can be so positioned so as to grab a payload and hurl it into space to another tether and so on.

Author: Forward, Robert L., Hoyt, Robert P.

Publisher: Scientific American, Inc.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1999

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Subjects list: Innovations, Space flight, Spacecraft, Space vehicles

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