The team claims this approach to surfing the solar wind could accelerate a spacecraft to high speeds in a short time while using almost no fuel. Share on Facebook (opens in a new window) Share on X ...

In a potential step toward sending small spacecraft to the stars, researchers have developed an ultra-thin, ultra-reflective membrane designed to ride a column of laser light to incredible speeds.

Space exploration has always been constrained by one fundamental issue: the need for fuel. Traditional rockets require vast amounts of propellant, which limits their range and the scope of their ...