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NASA Flies First Laser-powered Aircraft

Posted by michael on from the scientists-do-it-with-lasers dept.

unassimilatible writes "NASA has successfully tested a small-scale aircraft that flies solely by means of propulsive power delivered by an invisible, ground-based laser. How far away can in-flight IP/LASER broadband be?"

3 of 283 comments (clear)

  1. Laser by Colbens · · Score: 3, Funny

    How far off can space death rays be is the real question

  2. Very far off, I hope. by YouHaveSnail · · Score: 4, Funny

    How far away can in-flight IP/LASER broadband be?

    Let's hope it's very, very far off. A laser beam pointing to/from a commercial aircraft is essentially a giant pointer, constantly updated, announcing the precise position of the plane. It should not be difficult at all to build a guidance system that follows the laser and delivers a payload to the plane just as a line climber follows a kite string to a kite. Said payload is not likely to be an emergency delivery of peanuts and soda.

  3. Cool! by Garion911 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can see it now:

    "Homeless celebrate as pre-cooked pigeons fall from sky near airport"

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