‘Star Wars’ holds clues to making speedier spacecraft in the real world

‘Star Wars’ holds clues to making speedier spacecraft in the real world

Controlled fusion, solar sails or ion engines could someday help spaceships travel between star systems.

Imagine a journey to Mars in a few hours, Proxima du Centaure in just twenty years, powered by the power of light alone. This futuristic vision is approaching thanks to a breakthrough of researchers from Delft and Brown, who have developed ultra-thin photonic veils...

Lightsails breakthrough could slash interstellar travel time by thousands of years

Discover how groundbreaking lightsail technology is set to revolutionise space exploration, dramatically cutting interstellar travel time.

Delft and Brown researchers unveil ultrathin sails for laser propulsion in space

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 25, 2025 Researchers from Delft University of Technology and Brown University have introduced a breakthrough in nanotechnology with the development of large-scale, ultrathin lightsails, poised to accelerate advances in both space travel and experimental physics. Published in Nature Communications, their work outlines novel materials and techniques that yield the thinnest extensive reflectors ever fabrica

Space discovery: ultra-light sails for high-speed travel

Space exploration is entering a new era thanks to the innovation of ultralight sails, promising to revolutionize interstellar travel. Inspired by solar sail technology, these sails can reach unprecedented speeds, paving the way for faster, more efficient space missions. By harnessing the pressure of photons emitted by the sun, these sails offer an ecological and […] L’article Space discovery: ultra-light sails for high-speed travel est apparu en…

Spaceships on their way to distant planets will one day be powered by a rather theoretical technology called light sails. Scientists from Delft University of Technology and Brown University recently showed off their interesting innovation. They are made of special membranes thinner than a human hair, in full ...