NASA Looking To Power Spacecraft With Lasers

Posted by Soulskill on Tuesday September 20, 2011 @09:15PM from the everything-is-better-with-lasers dept.

msmoriarty writes "NASA has decided to develop methods for using lasers and/or microwave energy to 'provide external power on demand for aerospace vehicles' as part of its 'Game-Changing' technology development program. According to the announcement, 'The project will attempt to develop a low-cost, modular power beaming capability and explore multiple technologies to function as receiving elements of the beamed power. This combination of technologies could be applied to space propulsion, performance and endurance of unpiloted aerial vehicles or ground-to-ground power beaming applications. Development of such capabilities fulfills NASA's strategic goal of developing high payoff technology and enabling missions otherwise unachievable with today's technology."

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Re:How about getting humans back into space? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-09-21 00:00 · Score: 0, Troll

Why? How is that important in any way? We've been there, you know. It's empty. It's like complaining Congress isn't putting any humans in the bottom of the ocean or into zeppelins. It's just not relevant anymore. The fantasies and delusions didn't pay off. It's over. Move on.