Laser-getriebene raumfahrzeuge könnten alpha centauri in 20 jahren erreichen

Investigations at the University of Texas A&M have made a groundbreaking step towards one of the greatest dreams of space exploration: traveling to nearby star systems within human timescales. The ambitious goal is to reach Alpha Centauri within approximately 20 years, a drastic reduction compared to the thousands of years required by current propulsion methods.

Researchers propose laser-powered micro-jets for interstellar travel

According to the study, published in the journal Newton, the researchers propose a system based on high-powered lasers that could propel and steer objects at a distance without physical contact. The idea is to use intense light beams to push specially designed micro-scale structures, known as metajets, which react to the light impact.

These devices, smaller than a human hair, incorporate nanometric surfaces that modify how light behaves when reflected. Thanks to these structures, the researchers claim they have successfully controlled their movement in three dimensions, a feat they say has never been achieved before with this type of optical manipulation.

The principle behind this concept has already been explored with solar sails, which harness solar radiation for propulsion. The innovation lies in the introduction of external laser-directed propulsion, allowing for much greater control.

According to the researchers, this technology could be scaled up from micro-devices to much larger structures, potentially including interstellar sails. Theoretically, the more powerful the laser beam, the greater the force applied, opening up applications far beyond current capabilities.

However, the project is still far from practical reality. Experiments have been conducted in controlled environments simulating low-gravity conditions, but the next step would be to test the system in actual space environments. The scientists are now seeking funding to carry out these tests.